County staff warns of water and sewer rate increases tied to Peace River purchase and advanced wastewater treatment projects

Sarasota County Public Utilities told commissioners the department will seek higher water and wastewater rates in FY‑26 to fund operations, staffing for new advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) facilities, and the county’s estimated share of a regional Peace River water purchase.

Why it matters: The county is moving multiple wastewater facilities to higher‑treatment standards (advanced treatment that approaches potable quality), and Public Utilities said state law requires 24/7 staffing at those facilities. Staff also said the county’s partial participation in a regional Peace River source purchase would add significant long‑term debt service that affects the water rate component of a typical residential bill.

Key items from the presentation - Advanced wastewater treatment staffing: Public Utilities Director Brooke Bailey said converting the Venice Gardens facility to AWT requires dedicated 24/7 operations and create eight new positions (five operators and three maintenance staff) to meet regulatory requirements. The Bee Ridge and Carlton treatment facilities were also discussed; staff said preventative, on‑site maintenance crews reduce long‑term costs and increase reliability for hardened treatment plants. - Peace River purchase: Bailey said county staff had been briefed on a regional Peace River water purchase and that preliminary estimates put the county’s share at about $337 million; staff said that purchase would increase the county’s debt service obligations and that the precise county share and GMPs were still pending. Public Utilities staff said the increase would change projected water rate needs through FY‑30 and beyond. - Proposed rate changes: Public Utilities proposed a wastewater increase of roughly 5% tied in part to AWT startup costs and a water increase in the 6% range (a prior Florida Public Service Commission step of 2.23% is in place for a small component of water rates). Bailey said a typical single‑family home using about 4,000 gallons per month would see a combined water and sewer increase of about $6.30 per month under staff’s current scenario. - Meter replacement, staffing and equipment: Public Utilities reminded the board of an ongoing advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) meter replacement program and related annual cellular charges for new meters; Bailey said the department is installing cellular meters to allow near‑real‑time leak detection and billing data. Staff also requested additional project‑management resources to oversee large contracts and a communications position to increase public outreach and education about utility changes.

Board discussion and next steps Commissioners asked about the timing and scale of the Peace River purchase and about alternatives to spreading costs to all customers. Staff said more detail on GMPs and financing would be available in August and that a public hearing and rate adoption would follow the county’s budget timetable if the board approves the advertised TRIM/not‑to‑exceed numbers. Bailey said the Venice Gardens conversion and other AWT projects are expected to move to operation in the coming 12–24 months and that staffing/wear‑and‑tear tradeoffs favor dedicated maintenance crews.

Ending note: Public Utilities linked new treatment requirements and a potential regional source purchase to higher near‑term rates; staff recommended careful public education and work to identify grant and financing options ahead of the August/September budget decisions.