Charlotte County approves temporary bulk‑water agreement to help Punta Gorda address seasonal supply limits

The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 12 approved a temporary interlocal bulk‑water agreement that lets the City of Punta Gorda buy up to 0.5 million gallons per day from county supplies while the city resolves seasonal restrictions on its well field.

Dave Watson, the county’s utilities director, told commissioners the agreement is intended to prevent development delays in the Punta Gorda service area caused by seasonal limits the city faces from South Florida Water Management District restrictions. Watson presented historical average daily usage and a projection showing county system averages rising to roughly 15.4 million gallons per day by 2031; the proposed temporary purchase would sit under the county’s existing 16.1 MGD contractual allocation with the regional authority.

Deputy County Attorney Tom David advised the board the agreement includes termination triggers: the temporary capacity would end when Punta Gorda provides written notice that its independent supply system is operational or automatically six years from the agreement’s effective date unless both parties agree to extend. David cautioned that the clause permitting withholding of temporary capacity reads as applying if required or ordered by a regulatory agency or court, and that unilateral county discretion to withhold would require an amendment to the contract.

Several commissioners said a six‑year window felt long and pressed staff on safeguards if supply shortfalls occur before Punta Gorda’s reservoir and plant expansion come online. Commissioner Constance and others asked that the county retain explicit ability to withhold temporary capacity if county supply needs require it; David said the current language ties withholding to an order or regulatory requirement, and that adding county discretion could undermine the agreement’s purpose but can be negotiated into the contract.

Watson and other staff said costs associated with any extension or remedies beyond the six‑year term would be negotiated at the time an extension was considered; deputy county counsel said parties who bear expenses typically are those responsible under the subsequent negotiations. Commissioners also discussed whether Punta Gorda could instead join the regional authority as a customer to secure more predictable access.

After the legal clarification and multiple commissioners’ questions about timing and safeguards, the board voted unanimously to approve the interlocal bulk‑water agreement and directed staff to proceed with the final contract documentation and to keep the board informed of related city actions.

What happens next: Punta Gorda will consider the agreement at its Dec. 3 city council meeting; the county administrator and utilities staff will continue coordinating implementation and will return to the board with any negotiated amendments, notices or changes in schedule.