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Charlotte County commissioners withdraw support for local bill to shift Punta Gorda water services
Summary
After prolonged public comment from Punta Gorda officials and residents, county staff outlined logistical and funding uncertainties in a proposed bill to codify Punta Gorda's utility boundary and transfer potable water service; the board voted unanimously to withdraw its support and ask the legislator to reconsider.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla.
Charlotte County commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 16 to withdraw their support for a local bill titled the Punta Gorda Utility District Boundary Codification and Utility Transfer Act after weeks of concern from Punta Gorda officials and residents and detailed staff analysis showing data and implementation gaps.
The board convened a special meeting to hear public comment and staff briefing on draft language that county staff said they first received Dec. 5. Dozens of Punta Gorda officials and residents urged the county to oppose the bill, arguing the city already has authority and capacity plans in place and warning the measure would amount to a forced transfer of water assets.
Tom Spencer, utilities director for the city of Punta Gorda, told the board the city has "a legally established utility service area" codified by ordinance since 1984 and reaffirmed in ordinance 18-60-16 under chapter 180 of the Florida Statutes. "That service area has been codified in ordinance since 1984," Spencer said, adding the city remains willing to…
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