A utility rate increase of 11% a year for the next three years was approved by Cape Coral City Council Wednesday.
Finance Director Mark Mason said the resolution approved, 222-24, updates water, sewer and irrigation rates as well as incidental fees.
The utility rate adjustments will begin Oct. 1.
According to city documents, “the rate adjustments necessary to operate the system and provide for debt service based on information available at that time include rate increases for both capacity and commodity charges of 11% per year for three years for the first bill period after Oct. 1, 2024.”
Following that meeting, Mason said the city provided notice to all the property owners that the public meeting on the matter was being held on July 17.
The monthly capacity charge is for all customer classes ranging in meter sizes from 5/8 inches — $20.59 to 10 inches — $2,369.24.
The residential commodity charge per thousand gallons is as follows as of Oct. 1:
• 0-5,000 gallons – $4.41
• 5,001-10,000 gallons – $6.60
• 10,001-15,000 gallons – $8.81
• 15,001-20,000 gallons – $12.11
• 20,001 plus gallons – $15.52
Mason said the irrigation rate remains at $9.50.
Those rates will again increase in 2025 and 2026, each by another 11%.
Mason said the other change is for site non-compliance meter installs.
He said the city established a rate based on the feedback from the industry and community regarding adjustments on how to go about applying for a meter install.
Mason said the process will hopefully get the meters out to the properties in a 10-day period, instead of sometime in a three-month period. He said there will be 50% of the meter install if the city goes to install within the 10 days.
The increases drew some criticism.
A resident spoke and said he is disabled, on Social Security and is a widower. He said his highest bill is his water bill, as his house is paid for.
“The water bill is outrageous. We can’t afford it,” the resident said.