PUNTA GORDA, Fla. — The City Council approved a revised rate plan for water service and a modest increase in residential refuse and yard‑waste fees in the first reading of code amendments.

Staff presented alternate rate options after a prior workshop. The council voted to adopt an alternate water rate schedule that applies a 5% across‑the‑board increase to water rates while leaving the sewer rates as previously proposed. Council member Greg Julian said the workshop helped clarify options; council voted to accept the alternate schedule by voice vote.

On solid waste, finance staff proposed a residential refuse increase of $1.40 per month and a yard‑waste charge increase of $0.10 per month; nonresidential customers would see an overall approximate 8% increase. The ordinance is written to take effect Oct. 1. Council approved the first reading of the refuse ordinance on Wednesday.

Nut graf: The council’s actions raise utility and refuse revenues incrementally while continuing sewer policy unchanged for now. Staff will return for second readings and bring detailed billing schedules and implementation instructions.

During debate, members emphasized the need to balance customer affordability with funding for system maintenance, emergency vehicle and fleet replacements, and ongoing capital projects. Kristen Simeone, the finance director, said the city includes the meter replacement placeholder in the utilities CIP and that the rate revisions help support those capital needs.

The council adopted the first readings and will consider final adoption at the second readings scheduled under the city’s ordinance calendar.