Palm Coast resident urges city officials to secure more grant funding for infrastructure

Concerns over utility fees and infrastructure funding took center stage at the Palm Coast City Council meeting on March 4, 2025. Residents voiced their frustrations about rising utility costs and the need for better management of infrastructure projects, particularly as the city continues to grow.

One resident highlighted the importance of securing grant funding to alleviate financial burdens on the city. "We paid a person to look for grants, and they have a vested interest in doing a good job," he stated, urging the council to reconsider their current approach, which he deemed insufficient. He pointed out that the city is missing out on potential funding, suggesting that the current allocation of only 3% for grants is "ludicrous."

Infrastructure issues were also a hot topic, with concerns raised about the quality of drainage systems in new developments. A resident criticized the poor grading and drainage in his neighborhood, stating, "I can walk down the street where I live and there's 5 or 6 that’ll never flow." He called for immediate attention to these issues, emphasizing that developers should be held accountable for the infrastructure they install.

Another resident, Don Clough, drew a parallel between the city's financial management and the Titanic disaster, warning that shifting costs from property taxes to utility bills could lead to long-term problems. He noted that while utility rates have increased significantly over the years, ad valorem taxes have decreased, suggesting that the financial burden is being unfairly distributed.

The council acknowledged these concerns, with discussions about the responsibilities of developers in providing necessary infrastructure, such as lift stations and water lines, as part of their projects. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these issues and engage with residents to find solutions.

As Palm Coast navigates its growth, the discussions from this meeting underscore the critical need for effective infrastructure planning and transparent financial practices to ensure the city's sustainability and the well-being of its residents.