The Port St. Lucie City Council approved a $6 annual increase to the city's stormwater user fee for fiscal year 2025-26 after a divided discussion and a public hearing that attracted dozens of residents. The new rate was described by staff as necessary to advance major basin, canal and water-control projects, including the Okemock Watershed Improvement Project and replacement of aging water-control structures.

Public Works Director and city engineer Colt Swart outlined five priority projects the city plans to pursue using stormwater revenue: the Okemock basin improvements (including possible pump station and additional storage), Hog Pen Slough water-control-structure replacement, Elkin basin improvements, the E-8 canal bank project and accelerated swale-liner and culvert replacements. Swart said the projects are intended to improve flood mitigation and water-quality performance in areas that have experienced repeat flooding.

Opponents during public comment questioned the adequacy of published notices and the level of financial detail provided to residents. Several commenters, including attorneys and residents who reviewed the city's comprehensive financial reports, asked for a current cost-of-service study and clearer accounting of fund transfers and reserves before approving new charges. Some council members echoed the need for additional transparency and said they had voted against the measure during earlier hearings; others said the city had to act to address urgent drainage and canal infrastructure.

Council debate highlighted trade-offs. Supporters said major stormwater projects are expensive and, if delayed, expose neighborhoods to flood risk; several mentioned the Okemock area and recent heavy-rain events as reasons to accelerate capital work. Opponents emphasized the need for clearer, plain-language mail notices (residents reported receiving confusing mailed notices), more detailed public reporting of how prior stormwater revenues were spent, and the desire to limit recurring increases.

The motion to adopt the resolution passed on voice vote, with at least one council member stating publicly they would oppose the increase. Council directed staff to provide additional detail on prior-year spending and to continue pursuing grant opportunities and design-ready projects to leverage outside funding.