Save Rodman Reservoir organizers protest Florida Senate's $6.25M restoration funding plan

On April 22, 2025, the Putnam County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) convened to address critical issues surrounding water management and infrastructure development, particularly focusing on the contentious Rodman Reservoir situation and the introduction of new impact fees in response to the county's growth.

The meeting began with a passionate plea from a representative of Save Rodman Reservoir, who highlighted concerns over a proposed $6.25 million appropriation by the Florida Senate for the partial restoration of the Rodman Reservoir. The speaker emphasized the lack of local input in the decision-making process, expressing frustration that local representatives were unaware of the proposal until it was reported in the news. The speaker argued that the reservoir serves as a vital water quality filter for the St. Johns River and warned that removing the dam could exacerbate nutrient load issues, potentially leading to more algae blooms in the river.

Commissioners echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of local representation in discussions that directly affect the community. They called for outreach to state senators and local representatives to ensure that the voices of Putnam County residents are heard in Tallahassee.

In addition to the water management discussions, the BOCC reviewed a presentation on impact fees, which have not been charged since 2006. The county is experiencing significant growth, with an average of 600 new residential permits issued annually. The proposed impact fees aim to address the infrastructure demands created by this growth, covering costs for transportation, fire rescue, law enforcement, and parks.

The impact fee study revealed that the total fees for new residential developments could reach approximately $16,000, with the largest components being for transportation and wastewater services. The consultants emphasized that these fees would help alleviate the financial burden on existing residents by ensuring that new developments contribute to the costs of necessary infrastructure improvements.

Commissioners discussed the implications of implementing these fees, including the need for interlocal agreements with the City of Palatka to avoid double charging for transportation impacts. They acknowledged the urgency of establishing these agreements by October 2025, as required by new legislation.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed a commitment to further analyze the proposed impact fees and engage with community stakeholders to ensure a fair and transparent process. The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of water quality management and infrastructure development, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges facing Putnam County as it continues to grow.