St. Johns County adopts single utility rate structure for North Beach and Main systems

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners on June 3 unanimously adopted a single utility rate tariff that aligns North Beach system rates with the county’s Main system, effective July 1, 2025. The Board’s action was recorded as adopting Resolution No. 2025-192.

Neal Shinkre, Utilities Director, presented the proposal, saying the St. Johns County Utility Department had experienced growth and economies of scale that supported rate alignment. Shinkre described the changes’ impact on customers and noted the adoption date would be July 1, 2025, with new rates implemented on the next billing cycle after that effective date.

Public comment included one North Beach homeowner, Bob Olson, who commended utility improvements, and a comment from Ed Slavin on conservation rates; no public opposition to the rate alignment was recorded during the hearing. Commissioners discussed lift-station maintenance and the transition of North Beach infrastructure; earlier in the meeting a public speaker had urged inspection of North Beach lift stations prior to transfer of responsibility.

The resolution passed 5-0. Separately, as part of the consent agenda earlier in the meeting, the Board also authorized staff to assemble a finance team to facilitate required utility bonds not to exceed $21,000,000 aggregate principal amount; that consent motion was approved as part of the broader consent agenda earlier in the session.

The adopted tariff and staff presentation specify the effective date and billing timing; the transcript does not record individual new rate levels in full within the oral discussion. Utilities staff will implement the change in their billing system following the effective date.