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Newberry approves electric, water and wastewater rate ordinances after staff hearing; electric vote split 2–1
Summary
The commission enacted ordinances to raise electric, water and wastewater rates as part of the FY2025–26 budget. Electric ordinance passed 2–1; water and wastewater ordinances also passed 2–1. Staff said increases are needed to sustain utility operations and fund infrastructure.
The Newberry City Commission on Sept. 22 enacted three separate ordinances revising utility rates for electric, water and wastewater services. The measures were considered as part of the city’s final budget hearing and were enacted on second reading.
Dallas Lee, assistant city manager and CFO, told the commission staff models show many of the city’s utility costs are fixed or rising, and recommended adjustments to preserve financial health and support planned infrastructure. Lee said residential electric adjustments were proposed at 4.5 percent (an average residential impact he described as $5.31 per month), water rates at 7.5 percent (about $4.30 per month), and wastewater at 8.5 percent (about $5.91 per month).
The commission acted on three ordinances: Ordinance 2025-69 (electric), Ordinance 2025-70 (water) and Ordinance 2025-71 (wastewater). On the electric ordinance the roll-call procedure produced a 2–1 outcome; the transcript records the motion passed 2–1 after roll call. The water and wastewater ordinances also passed with the same 2–1 tallies. Staff said customers were notified of proposed changes in the city’s August utility bills and that the city will file reports with the Florida Public Service Commission as required.
In presenting the electric ordinance, the city attorney read code provisions and the ordinance title on the record. Staff said the rate adjustments were discussed at a commission utility budget workshop and that the adjustments are intended to keep Newberry’s rates competitive while making the utilities self-sustaining. Lee reiterated that the revenue from the increases will support operating expenses and future required infrastructure investments that staff and the commission identified during the budget process.
No public commenters addressed the rate changes during the hearing. The record includes motions and seconds on the dais (motions by Commissioner Maison; seconds by Commissioner Long on several items). The ordinances were enacted on second reading with the votes recorded; staff indicated that technical actions and reports required under state law will follow.
Ending: The commission enacted the three utility rate ordinances as part of the FY2025–26 budget process; staff said the increases are intended to sustain utility finances and fund capital improvements. The electric ordinance passed 2–1 on roll call; water and wastewater measures passed with the same division.
