After years of lost revenue, Winter Haven raises water, sewer and connectivity fees

WINTER HAVEN — Winter Haven city commissioners unanimously approved increases to the city's water, sewer and connection fees Monday night. 

Commissioners approved a 2.5% increase to its water and sewer rate, which has not been increased in at least five years. The increase matches the consumer price index.

According to the approved resolution, all rates, fees and charges associated with water, sewer and reclaimed water service will increase automatically each year by no less than 2.5%. The first increase will come May 1 and repeat on that date each year for the next five years.

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"I think our whole goal here is to try to keep our rates current based on the impact of inflation and keep it as even as we can with operating expenses and so we can afford to keep our system running efficiently the way our rate payers I think expect us to do," City Manager Mike Herr said. 

Commissioners also approved a raise to fees for residential connections to water and sewer that will affect new development starting May 1.

The fee for water connection increased from $1,121.34 to $1,669.50, and sewer connection increased from $3,637.76 to $4,196.50. Those are increases of 49% and 15%, respectively. 

The combined total for those connections climbed from $4,759.10 to $5,866, an overall increase of 23.3%. 

The city last reviewed connection fees in 2006. The new rates will be revisited in no later than five years. 

Maya Lora can be reached with tips or questions at mlora@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @mayaklora.