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Home My WebLink About26-111RESOLUTION 26-111 A RESOLUTION OF THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SITTING AS THE DISTRICT COMMISSION OF THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT, AUTHORIZING THE ADJUSTMENT OF WATER, WASTEWATER, AND REUSE UTILITY RATES, FEES AND CHARGES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. QPriTei c WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. 04-023, the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners ("Board") created the St. Lucie County Water and Sewer District ("District") for the purpose of providing water, wastewater, and reclaimed water service within the boundaries of the District; and WHEREAS, the District is responsible for establishing rates, fees, and charges sufficient to operate, maintain, repair, replace, and improve the District's utility system and to meet the District's current and future financial obligations, including debt service and reserve requirements; and WHEREAS, the District Commission has reviewed the Utility Rate Study prepared by Raftelis dated March 5, 2025, together with information provided by District staff concerning current and projected operating expenses, capital improvement needs, debt obligations, reserve requirements, and customer demand; and WHEREAS, based upon the Utility Rate Study prepared by Raftelis dated March 5, 2025, and the information presented by District staff, the District Commission finds that adjustments to the District's rates, fees, and charges are necessary to maintain the financial stability of the utility system, preserve the District's ability to provide safe and reliable utility service, and ensure adequate revenues to meet the present and future needs of the utility system; and MICHELLE R. MILLER, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT SAINT LUCIE COUNTY FILE # 5666060 09/04/2026 02:43:00 PM OR BOOK 5527 PAGE 1394 - 1413 Doc Type: RESO RECORDING: $171.50 WHEREAS, based upon the Utility Rate Study prepared by Raftelis dated March 5, 2025, the recommendations of District staff, and the information presented to the District Commission, the District Commission finds that the rates, fees, and charges adopted herein are reasonable, equitable, and proportionate to the cost of providing utility service and are designed to provide revenues sufficient to pay the costs of operating, maintaining, repairing, replacing, and improving the District utility system and to meet the District's current and future financial obligations; and WHEREAS, the District Commission finds that annual adjustments based upon the Florida Public Service Commission ("PSC") utility price index and pass -through increases imposed upon the District by wholesale utility providers or governmental assessments are necessary cost -recovery mechanisms intended to preserve the financial integrity of the utility system and ensure continued recovery of the costs of providing utility service; and WHEREAS, the District Commission further finds that annual cost adjustments based upon the Florida PSC utility price index and pass -through increases attributable to costs imposed upon the District by wholesale utility providers or governmental assessments are necessary to allow the District to recover increases in the cost of providing utility service without requiring separate rate proceedings for each such adjustment. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, sitting as the Commission of the St. Lucie County Water and Sewer District: Section 1. APPROVAL OF MARCH 5, 2025, UTILITY RATE STUDY; ADOPTION OF THE RATE SCHEDULE FOR THE DISTRICT. The District Commission has reviewed and considered the Utility Rate Study dated March 5, 2025, prepared by Raftelis, and finds that the f�: methodology, assumptions, and recommendations contained therein provide a reasonable basis for establishing the rates, fees, and charges adopted by this Resolution. The Rate Schedule attached to this Resolution as Exhibit 1", setting forth the rates, fees and charges for customers within the St. Lucie County Water and Sewer District to be serviced by the District utility system is hereby adopted and shall be effective commencing with the first billing cycle on or after August 1, 2026. Section 2. AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENTS. The Rate Schedule shall be automatically adjusted on an annual basis without further action of the Board based upon the application of the Florida PSC utility price index, as established from time to time by the Florida PSC pursuant to Florida Statute section 367.081(4)(a), as amended, ("Cost Adjustment"), to the then existing rates, fees and charges of the District. Prior to application of this automatic Cost Adjustment provision, the District Utility Director shall submit to the Board at a St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners meeting a report detailing the amount of the adjustment and the new rates, fees and charges, as adjusted. In addition, the rates, fees and charges of the District shall be automatically increased without further action of the Board based upon the implementation of a rate increase to the District by any utility which provides utility service to the District, or upon implementation or increase of any taxes or assessments levied by a governmental authority against the District ("Cost Pass -through"). Prior to application of this Cost Pass -through provision, the District Utility Director shall submit to the Board at a St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners meeting a report detailing the amount of the adjustment and the new rates, fees and charges, as adjusted. Unless the Board votes to withhold an automatic Cost Adjustment or Cost Pass -through, the District's Schedule of rates, fees, and charges shall be adjusted pursuant to this section as required effective as of the first K, billing cycle after the Board's meeting. No public hearing shall be required for the automatic adjustments set forth in this section. Section 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. The Resolution shall be effective upon adoption. Section 4. ADOPTION. After motion and second, the vote on this Resolution was as follows: Chair, Jamie Fowler AYE Vice Chair, Larry Leet ABSENT Commissioner, James Clasby AYE Commissioner, Erin Lowry AYE Commissioner, Cathy Townsend AYE PASSED AND DULY ENACTED on this 21 st day of July, 2026. ATTEST: DEPUTY CLE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA R �y GOM1N�s JA IE FOWLER, CHAIR �� e,,v CORRECTNESS: \GC�� COUNTr,F�O� KATHERINE B ERI, COUNTY ATTORNEY 0 EXHIBIT "1" SCHEDULE OF RATES, FEES AND CHARGES EFFECTIVE COMMENCING WITH THE FIRST BILLING CYCLE ON OR AFTER AUGUST 1, 2026. ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL METERED RATE SCHEDULE WATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY— For water service to a single family or a multi -family residence where the water is individually metered to the single family or multi -family residence. This classification does not apply to single family or multi -family residences that receive water service from behind a master meter and the residences are not individually metered. RATES (Monthly) Base Facility Charge Meter Size $ 26.33 1" $ 65.79 1 '/2" $ 131.58 2" $ 210.51 Customer Account Charge (Per Metered Connection) $ 3.26 Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) 0 to 5,000 $ 7.11 5,001 to 10,000 $ 8.32 10,001 and 15,000 $ 11.04 15,001 and above $ 12.87 9 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL METERED RATE SCHEDULE WASTEWATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY— For wastewater service to a single family or a multi -family residence where water service is individually metered to the single family or multi- family residence. This classification does not apply to single family or multi -family residences that receives water service from behind a master meter and the residences are not individually metered. RATES (Monthly) Base Facility Charge Meter Size All Meter Sizes $ 30.46 Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) 0 to 10,000 $ 9.16 (wastewater capped at 10,000 gallons) 7 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT IRRIGATION RATE SCHEDULE WATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY — For irrigation water service to all customers who require potable irrigation service from a separate irrigation meter. RATES (Monthly) Base Facility Charge Meter Size 3/4" $ 33.53 ill $ 65.79 1 '/2" $ 131.58 2" $ 210.51 All Above Per Utility Analysis Customer Account Charge (Per Metered Connection) $ 3.26 Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) 0 to 15,000 15,001 and above $ 11.04 $ 12.87 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL MASTER METERED RATE SCHEDULE WATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY— For water service to residences where one or more master meters provides water service to multiple single family or multi -family residences and ancillary residential uses, e.g., community recreational facilities, guard house, etc., that do not have individual water meters. RATES (Monthly) Base Facility Charge Times the number of units Meter Size All Meter Sizes $ 18.73 Per Unit Customer Account Charge (Per each Meter) $ 3.26 Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) Times the number of units 0 to 2,500 $ 7.11 2,501 to 5,000 $ 8.32 5,001 to 7,500 $ 11.04 7,501 and above $ 12.87 E ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL MASTER METERED RATE SCHEDULE WASTEWATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY— Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY— For wastewater service to residences where one or more master meters provides water service to multiple single family or multi -family residences and ancillary residential uses, e.g., community recreational facilities, guard house, etc., that do not have individual water meters. RATES (Monthly) Base Facility Charge Times the number of units Meter Size All Meter Sizes $ 27.54 Per Unit Customer Account Charge (Per each Meter) $ 3.26 Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) $ 9.16 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT COMBINED RESIDENTIAL NON -METERED RATE SCHEDULE WASTEWATER AND RECLAIMED WATER IRRIGATION SERVICE AVAILABILITY - Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY - For combined wastewater and reclaimed water irrigation service to residences where one or more master meters provides water service to multiple single family or multi -family residences and ancillary residential uses, e.g., community recreational facilities, guard house, etc., that do not have individual water meters. RATES (Monthly) Sewer Charge per EDU $ 47.47 AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT: Commencing February 1, 2020, in addition to the general annual automatic rate adjustment applicable to all Rates as set forth in Resolution #18-259, the Base Facility Charge will be increased by 2.26% each year for a period of seven (7) consecutive years. 11 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT COMMERCIAL METERED RATE SCHEDULE WATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY — For water service to all commercial and industrial customers, including individually metered multi -family ancillary uses, e.g., community recreation facilities and guard houses, and for water service where no other rate schedule applies. RATES (Monthly) Base Facility Charge Based on water ERC's (an ERC equals 300 gallons per day) Per ERC $ 39.49 Customer Account Charge (Per Metered Connection) $ 3.26 Non-Business/Commercial Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) 0 to 5,000 $ 7.11 5,001 to 10,000 $ 8.32 10,001 to 15,000 $ 11.04 15,001 and above $ 12.87 Business/Commercial Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) 0 to 5,000 $ 7.11 5,001 to 10,000 $ 8.32 10,001 and above $ 11.04 12 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT COMMERCIAL METERED RATE SCHEDULE WASTEWATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY - Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY - For wastewater service to all commercial and industrial customers, including to individually water metered multi -family ancillary wastewater users, e.g., community recreation facilities and guard houses, and for wastewater service where no other rate schedule applies. RATES (Monthly) Base Facility Charge Based on water ERC's (an ERC equals 300 gallons per day) Per ERC $ 45.69 Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) All Gallons $ 9.16 No Water Service Wastewater Flat Charge (per EDU) $ 89.43 13 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL NON -METERED RATE SCHEDULE WASTEWATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY — For wastewater service to all residences that do not receive water service from the District. RATES (Monthly) Sewer Charge per EDU $ 47.47 14 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT TEMPORARY WATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY— For water service to all temporary construction meters and other temporary water service where no other rate schedule applies. Deposit In Advance $ 280.00 Base Facility Charge $ 39.49 Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) All Gallons $ 11.04 15 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT FIRE PROTECTION RATE SCHEDULE WATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY— Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY — Applicable to all connections to the utility system for private fire protection service. RATES (Yearly) Base Facility Charge* Meter Size 2" 4" 6" 8" Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) All Gallons *Note: May be charged monthly. 16 $ 289.28 $ 901.01 $ 1, 799.49 $ 2,880.02 $ 11.36 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT ALLOWANCE FOR FUNDS PRUDENTLY INVESTED RATE SCHEDULE ACCRUED GUARANTEED REVENUES AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY — Applicable to all water and wastewater customers who request new or expanded utility service. RATES (billed annually until connection) Water Wastewater Per ERC $ 260.27 $ 349.10 17 ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES RATE SCHEDULE WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY — Applicable to all water, wastewater, irrigation, reclaimed water, and other customers of the utility system. Normal Hrs. After Hrs. Account Service Fee $47.00 Normal reconnection of service $47.00 $127.00 per hour minimum (emergency only) Violation reconnection of service $57.00 Premises visit (in lieu of disconnect) $47.00 $127.00 per hour minimum (emergency only) Late Payment Charge $6.00 Convenience/Service Fees All payments made through an authorized third -party payment processor may be subject to convenience or service fees established by the processor and disclosed to the customer before the transaction is completed. Initial Application Fees: Administrative Fee $300.00 Plan Review Fee 2% of construction costs Inspection Fee 1.5% of construction costs Developer Agreement Fee $4,897.00 Service Agreement Fee $591.00 DRC Fee $50.00 Fire Flow Test $150.00 Request for meter test: 5/8" to 1 Y2" Meter $47.00 2" and above Meter Actual cost plus 15% Fee applicable when meter tests within tolerances MR ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT RECLAIMED WATER RATE SCHEDULE WATER SERVICE AVAILABILITY — Available throughout the area served by the District. APPLICABILITY— For water service to all customers who require reclaim water for irrigation in the district, not covered by combined wastewater/reclaimed water customer classification. RATES (Monthly) Consumption Charge (Per 1,000 Gallons) $4.11 `K ST. LUCIE COUNTY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT CUSTOMER DEPOSITS APPLICABILITY — Before rendering service, the County will require a deposit to secure the payment of bills which shall be non-negotiable and non -transferable. The amount of such deposit shall be an amount at least necessary to cover charges for service for two billing periods. Deposit Type Meter Size Water Deposit Amt. Wastewater Deposit Amt. Residential 3/4" $ 85.00 $ 89.00 Residential 1" $118.00 $ 256.00 Residential 11/2" $234.00 $ 370.00 Residential 2" $469.00 $ 806.00 Multi -Family Two months Two months (per unit) estimated bill estimated bill Commercial 3/" $118.00 $ 118.00 or two months estimated bill whichever is greater Commercial V $207.00 $ 379.00 or two months estimated bill whichever is greater Commercial 1 1/2" $469.00 $1,653.00 or two months estimated bill whichever is greater Commercial 2" $941.00 $1,894.00 or two months estimated bill whichever is greater Commercial 3" $1,120.00 $2,240.00 or two months estimated bill whichever is greater 4" and above Two months Two months estimated bill estimated bill 20