The Titusville City Council unanimously approved a grant-funded project to extend sewer service to the Gibson Street area on July 8, and discussed how households in the project area will be affected by connection fees and plumbing costs.

Public works staff explained the project is funded primarily through Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SORL) cost‑share grants and that the city has applied for and secured funding to construct the lines. Staff told council that the city connection fee is currently $2,100 and “that currently has a way to be paid over 24 months, on your utility bill.” Staff added the state’s Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) policy will make septic less viable in the basin over time: “So by 2030, they won't have the option of using a septic tank anymore.”

Residents who live in the affected area asked whether there would be additional costs for abandoning septic tanks and for the plumbing work required to tie into the new sewer line. Staff said those plumbing/abandonment costs are separate from the city connection fee and can vary widely; an estimate cited during the meeting ranged roughly from $12,000 to $16,000 for full abandonment and plumbing depending on site conditions, with cases that might be lower or substantially higher. Staff said some properties have the plumbing and septic in such condition that connecting is less expensive than installing a new septic system.

Councilmembers pressed staff on options to reduce residents’ financial burdens, asking whether programs such as Save Our Indian River Lagoon grants or Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds could be applied to homeowner assistance. Staff said SORL grant funds have been used in other jurisdictions to help with connection costs and that city staff would contact the county SORL office and housing grants staff to identify available assistance. Staff also committed to hold community meetings for the Gibson Street residents to explain timelines, options for phased payments and potential grant assistance.

Council approved the consent‑agenda item to proceed with the Gibson Street sewer project and associated grant award. Staff will return with community outreach plans and options for homeowner assistance as the project progresses.