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Winter Springs commission approves $10 stormwater rate, awards creek debris contract amid heated debate
Summary
After hours of public comment and a failed effort to postpone, the City of Winter Springs approved a stormwater rate increase to $10 per equivalent residential unit and voted to award a creek debris-removal contract to Zulu Marine Services using NRCS funding.
The City of Winter Springs City Commission voted 3–1 on May 12 to raise the stormwater utility rate to $10 per equivalent residential unit and, separately, approved an intent-to-award for creek debris removal to Zulu Marine Services using a federal NRCS grant.
The rate ordinance (Ordinance 2025‑11) passed after lengthy public testimony and more than an hour of debate among commissioners over timing, oversight and a parallel request from residents and some commissioners to codify annual creek and sediment cleanup. Commissioner Caruso and Commissioners Bruce and Baker voted yes; Commissioner Diaz voted no.
Supporters, including Mayor Kevin McCann and multiple residents who lost property in past storms, said the utility is underfunded and needs a recurring revenue source to pay for maintenance and emergency work. “We cannot put our head in the sand when we know homes continue to struggle,” Mayor McCann said during debate. Opponents and some commissioners urged caution and asked staff to complete…
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