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Dunedin residents urge pause, phased approach after reclaimed-water bill spikes
Summary
Residents representing multiple condominium associations told the Dunedin City Commission on Dec. 4 that a new reclaimed-water flat rate has produced 'shocking' bills and threatens fixed-income homeowners; city staff agreed to meet with associations to review usage and billing and explore options to reduce impacts.
Residents from several Scottsdale condominium clusters and other neighborhoods pressed the Dunedin City Commission on Dec. 4 to reconsider the timing and pace of a recent change in reclaimed-water billing.
Ray Alger, president of Scottsdale Cluster 3, told commissioners the change produced unexpectedly large bills. “The October 25 bill for reclaimed water was a shock to us at $5.23,” he said, adding that the association now faces an estimated $6,300 extra cost for fiscal 2026 and that the increase represents “over 800%” compared with prior charges for some accounts. Other speakers, including James Blackburn and Marcela Mark Luisgar, described the strain on residents living on fixed incomes and questioned whether the city could phase in the new rates over two to three years.
City Manager (name not stated) and utilities staff said the commission and staff had considered a RafTelus water and wastewater rate study and that reclaimed water had previously been priced below market to encourage system growth. The manager acknowledged the hardship and invited association leaders to meet with staff to review individual bills and identify practical conservation or billing solutions. “Let's sit, if you wouldn't mind, Mr. Alger,” the city manager said, offering to arrange a follow-up meeting and to have staff examine potential usage reductions such as landscaping changes.
At the meeting commissioners stressed both the value of reclaimed water as a nonpotable resource and the need to help residents adjust to changes. No formal vote or ordinance was taken; staff were directed to schedule follow-up meetings with condominium representatives and provide clearer billing and phase-in options. The commission also noted the legal limit speakers cited on HOA fee increases — identified in public comment as a “state statute” — and said staff would clarify regulatory constraints and next steps.
The commission did not adopt immediate rate relief at the meeting. City staff said they will return to the affected associations with a review of bills, usage patterns and potential mitigation options and will report to the commission on outcomes and any recommended policy changes.
