Sanford commission approves multi‑year water and sewer rate increases after public outcry

The Sanford City Commission approved a multi‑year plan to raise utility rates for the city’s water and wastewater systems after a lengthy presentation from financial consultants and extended public testimony.

Consultant Sean Ocasio, senior manager with Raptellus Financial Consultants, told the commission the city’s forecast shows existing revenues will not be sufficient to cover operating costs, a $297 million capital plan and additional debt service over the five‑year period. Ocasio summarized the recommendation: "the rate recommendation here, the current recommendation for the water system would be a 7% increase ... and the wastewater system at 6% per year for the same window of time." (Sean Ocasio, Raptellus Financial Consultants).

The proposed adjustments are intended to maintain positive cash flow, meet loan covenants and fund major projects including the 1,4‑dioxane treatment work and pipe and manhole rehabilitation. Ocasio said the forecast assumes modest growth (about 1.8% per year in equivalent residential connections) and relies on a mix of grants, State Revolving Fund loans and rate revenues to finance the capital plan.

The presentation prompted a long line of public commenters. Resident Victoria Huggins pressed the commission on transparency and consulting costs and challenged the characterization of the increase as "modest," saying "Transparency matters, accurate public response matters, and trust in government begins with honesty." (Victoria Huggins, resident). Several residents and small business owners described sudden, unexplained spikes on individual bills and asked staff to audit those accounts; one small‑business owner said a bill had grown to roughly $900 and asked for a review.

Commissioners questioned timing and public communications. Commissioner Britton said he was reluctant to move forward without clearer evidence of improved service and faster response times, noting that residents are already experiencing service problems and billing concerns. Staff and consultants replied that certain projects and regulatory requirements make additional funding unavoidable, and that the recommended rates are lower than earlier projections in this cycle.

After debate, a motion to adopt the rate forecast and adjustments for fiscal year 2026 passed by a 4–1 vote. The approved schedule raises water revenue by roughly 7% annually and wastewater revenue by roughly 6% annually for 2026–2030; staff will return to update the forecast annually and continue to pursue grant funding and impact‑fee updates to mitigate customer impacts.

The commission directed staff to better communicate what projects are funded by the increases and to continue investigating customers’ disputed bills. The adopted resolution (Resolution 30‑4‑38) was recorded at the meeting.