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Winter Springs approves first reading of ordinance to raise stormwater utility rates after months of engineering analysis
Summary
On May 11 the City Commission approved on first reading a phased rate increase to fund a proactive stormwater program that adds pond inspections, a second stormwater crew and capital projects identified in a master plan; the vote passed 3–2 after residents and commissioners debated timing and affordability.
The Winter Springs City Commission on May 11 approved on first reading Ordinance 2026‑01, a phased increase to the city's stormwater utility rates intended to fund expanded maintenance and a multi‑year capital program.
City public works staff and consultants told the commission they cataloged more than 300 ponds, assessed ownership and maintenance responsibilities, and identified aging pipes, scour at outfalls, and failing control structures that require both routine work and larger capital repairs. Consultant David Hamstra (Pegasus Engineering) described common repairs — riprap aprons at outfalls (a few thousand dollars each), control‑structure repairs (around $2,000) and, in severe cases, pipelining (CIPP) that can run roughly $275 per linear foot — and said a phased proactive program would reduce emergency work and repeated flooding.
Joe Williams of Raftelis presented the rate study and a financial forecast that phases a rate from the current $10 per equivalent residential unit toward roughly $15 next year and incremental increases thereafter, reaching just over $20 per month in later years under the consultants' scenario. The increases would fund a second stormwater crew (one foreman and three crew members), vehicles and equipment, hybrid‑pond infrastructure inspections and repairs, and a reserve for tertiary projects.
"This is an enterprise fund; it is meant to be self‑sustaining," City Manager Kevin Sweet said, explaining the utility has run a structural deficit and that prior general‑fund support had not replaced missed maintenance. "We can continue to put band‑aids on things or invest now and reduce the long‑term cost of delay."
Opponents and some commissioners said the timing is difficult for households facing rising costs. Commissioner Faroozoo said, "We're going through some really bad things right now — I don't think this is a good time to do this." Resident speakers also urged the commission to consider targeted relief for residents who could struggle with higher bills.
Supporters argued the city has delayed maintenance for decades and that steady, smaller increases are less costly than deferring work. Resident Art Gallo, whose homeowners association reviewed the materials with staff, backed the plan and asked the commission to adopt the first increment to start inspections and data collection.
After more than two hours of discussion and public testimony, Commissioner Victoria Bruce moved to approve the rate schedule as recommended by staff for the four‑year phasing; Commissioner Sarah Baker seconded. The motion passed 3–2 with Bruce, Baker and Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick voting yes and Commissioners Mark Caruso and Paul Diaz voting no.
The ordinance passed on first reading; the commission said it would revisit progress in future meetings, direct staff to provide plain‑English communications to residents about how the money will be spent, and continue seeking grants and penny‑sales‑tax funds for major capital projects.
