City Approves Water Rate Increases

By Nicol Jenkins
Editor

Water restrictions have put a dent on the City of Coral Springs’ budget, and soon Coral Springs residents will feel the effects.
Because residents have been using less water due to the twice-a-week water restrictions, the city has an estimated $188,614 shortfall, which is needed to run its water system, city officials say.  

Thus, the Coral Springs City Commission has approved increasing the sewer and water rates to 8.75 percent. Those increases will go into effect July 7 and become a permanent change.

Single family homes will have to pay $15.96 for a monthly sewer rate compared to $14.68, and a multi-family home will jump from $13.50 to $14.68. As for water rates, a single family home will jump from $10.67 to $11.60, and a multi-family home will increase from $9.63 to $10.47, according to city reports. Also, rates can increase per gallon. For example, if residents consume 6,000 gallons per month, the bill will now be about $52 per month compared to the current rate of about $47 per month, according to Richard Michaud, Director of Public Works for the City of Coral Springs.

“Water restrictions have had an impact on revenue across all utilities,” said Michaud. “Phases 2 and 3 water restrictions resulted in a sharp reduction in water usage which has had an effect on forecasted revenues for Utilities. The last 12 months have subjected Utilities to water restrictions which have cutback the normal production capabilities.”
Michaud added that the city has addressed the reduced revenue by lowering expenses, but is still required to fit the bill for “maintenance and operation of the facility” and other fees.