Bradenton council approves modest increases to stormwater, water and sewer charges after debate over deferred maintenance

The Bradenton City Council on Aug. 8 approved modest increases to stormwater and water, sewer and reclaimed-water charges, voting 5–0 to adopt the rate adjustments after extended debate about deteriorating infrastructure, grant funding and the timing of a formal rate study.

The two resolutions passed were Resolution No. 2,586 (stormwater fees) and Resolution No. 2,585 (water, sewer and reclaimed-water charges). According to staff, the ordinance implements a 3% nominal increase compared with current published fees; because there has been no increase for three years, staff described the change as roughly equivalent to a 1% annual average increase over that period.

Planning-department and public-works staff explained the increases are intended to keep the city in compliance with an MS4 permit administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (a federal Clean Water Act delegation) and to fund inspection, maintenance and repairs for stormwater conveyances. A staff speaker described the purpose: “It relates to what's called an MS4 permit that is required, by the government…that requires us to basically provide different types of infrastructure and maintenance and operations surrounding that infrastructure that assures that the stormwater that's collected in the city enters the navigable waterways of the state,” referencing regulatory obligations.

Council discussion emphasized two themes: (1) the city’s stormwater and utility fees are lower than many neighbors and have lagged needed investment, and (2) a consultant study of rates is underway and will provide a deeper assessment of the city’s long-term needs. Several council members urged that rate revenue should be tied to projects with measurable stormwater mitigation benefits; others urged continued aggressive pursuit of grants to reduce ratepayer burden. Mayor Perry said staff is pursuing a balanced funding approach and noted the city has secured several supplemental grants for stormwater projects.

Direct quote: Mr. Williams (staff) described the proposal plainly: “We had discussed increase in the rates by 3%. We hadn't had an increase in 3 years. So roughly equals that to about a net 1% increase, across the board.”

The motions to adopt both resolutions carried unanimously (5–0). Councilmembers stressed staff should return with the consultant’s final rate-study findings and with project-level plans showing how rate revenue will be applied to prioritized stormwater and utility improvements.

Ending: The council directed staff to pursue grants, continue the rate study and report back with a multiyear plan linking future rate changes to prioritized projects.