Sebring council approves ordinance limiting outside-city utility hookups and adopts a standard utility services agreement

The City of Sebring City Council on April 15 approved Ordinance 15-38, which amends chapter 23 of the city code to require City Council approval before properties located outside the city limits may connect to a Sebring utility system. Council also approved a proposed utility services agreement that the city said creates an enforceable record of what capacity and service were promised when outside users request hookups.

City staff said the ordinance and the agreement are intended to give the city clear, written terms when it offers water or sewer service to properties outside the corporate limits, reducing later disputes about whether the city promised service. City attorney or staff (Mr. Swain) explained the template agreement requires the property owner — not just a developer — to describe the proposed development so…