Largo staff outline FY2026–30 capital plan and propose utility rate increases to meet debt and replacement needs

City of Largo staff presented the proposed FY2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at a May 13 commission work session and recommended increases to stormwater, wastewater and solid-waste rates to meet fund-balance and debt requirements.

The presentation, which included a recap from the Finance Advisory Board and technical details on stormwater priorities, said the board voted 6–0 (one member absent) to recommend adopting the proposed rate increases as necessary to fund projects in the CIP. Bill McIntosh, speaking for the Finance Advisory Board, said the board reviewed alternatives and concluded that postponing or reducing increases would “jeopardize the fund balances” needed to meet future obligations.

Why it matters: City staff told commissioners the utility funds carry regulatory and contractual constraints — including debt-service coverage and minimum cash balances — that could force larger emergency increases later if routine capital and replacement work is deferred. Commissioners pressed staff for options that would reduce the near-term burden on residents while preserving critical preventive work.

Most important details: Staff described the CIP process and a project-evaluation framework that weights flood risk, equity and…