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Lauderhill adopts $150 senior utility rebate funded from PFAS settlement
Summary
The commission approved a one-time $150 utility credit for Lauderhill residents aged 55 and older, to be distributed until settlement funds are exhausted; the program will be administered by utilities and includes options for condo and annex residents.
The Lauderhill City Commission approved a Senior Utility Rebate Program on June 9, 2025, authorizing a one-time $150 credit for senior residents (55 and older) to provide relief on water, sewer or stormwater charges. The program will be funded from settlement proceeds related to PFAS litigation and will continue until those funds are exhausted.
City staff described the background and funding source during the meeting. The city manager said staff is preparing a request for letters of interest (RFI/ROI) for a forensic audit in another agenda thread, and explained the city had received settlement funds; the manager said quarterly testing for PFAS is ongoing and "the city water is safe." Utilities staff provided details about testing and compliance.
Under the program approved by the commission, eligible senior households will receive a one-time $150 rebate or credit applied directly to their utility bill. The city intends to provide cash rebates when the water bill is paid by an association (condominium) or when the resident does not receive a direct city water bill. Annex area residents who are billed differently will receive the rebate on their stormwater tax line. The commission discussed outreach methods; staff said applications will be available online and by mail, and assistance will be offered at city facilities for residents who need help completing forms.
Commissioners emphasized the program is intended as short-term relief and that staff will distribute the benefit on a first-come, first-served basis until settlement funds are exhausted. Commissioner Richard Campbell described constituent complaints about high water bills and supported the relief. Vice Mayor Ray Martin and others praised the measure's focus on vulnerable residents.
Action: Resolution 25R-0699 establishing the Senior Utility Rebate Program was approved by the commission (vote recorded at the meeting; see provenance). Implementation will be overseen by Utilities and Finance; residents must provide proof of age and residency to receive the credit.
