Vero Beach accepts utility rate study; council schedules public hearing on possible rate adjustments

The Vero Beach City Council on June 23 voted 5-0 to accept a Utility Rate Study by Raftelis that recommends rate adjustments to meet new water and wastewater treatment standards and to cover higher operating costs.

Rob Bolton, the city’s Water and Sewer Director, said staff considered three options: rehabilitate the existing plant (insufficient to meet new standards), connect to Indian River County (costly due to capacity limits), or build a new plant at a higher, more resilient City location — the preferred option. Bolton and consultant Joe Williams said the study projects significantly higher operating costs, with an additional roughly $5 million in operating costs by 2029 compared with prior projections. Consultants and staff said grant funding can mitigate rate impacts; without grants, staff estimated monthly bills could increase by $25–$30.

Bolton identified chemicals, electric and labor as major cost drivers and gave an example that the price of a one-ton chlorine cylinder rose from about $550 to $2,200 in less than a year. Councilmember Linda Moore and Mayor John Cotugno said they understood the affordability challenge. The council accepted the study and scheduled a public hearing on ordinance changes for Aug. 25, 2026; staff will notify customers in advance if the council proceeds with rate changes.