Winter Garden likely to boost utility fees to pay for waste water treatment facility

Updated Nov. 17, 2024: The commission unanimously voted to pass the fee increase at the Nov. 14 city commission meeting. 

On January 1, Winter Garden residents' utility bills are likely to be higher. $7.89 higher to be exact. That’s a 17 percent increase in fees for utility services over last year.

In October 2025, fees are scheduled to go up another 20 percent. Then another 20 percent in 2027. Then 7 percent again in 2028. And finally another 7 percent in 2029.

For the family who now pays the average monthly utility rate of $46.43, the fee escalation will look something like this:

January 1, 2025: $54.32

October 1, 2025: $65.18

October 1, 2027: $78.21

October 1, 2028: $83.68

October 1, 2029: $89.53

That’s a $43 rate increase over the next five years.

Winter Garden did not raise utility rates for water, sewer and irrigation for 20 years between 2003 and 2023, according to Assistant City Manager Stephen Pash. But a 2025 rate hike is coming if the Winter Garden City Commission approves it after its second reading on Nov. 14. Commissioners passed it unanimously during the city's Oct. 24 meeting.

Pash explained in a phone interview the rate increases are necessary to pay for the $132.6 million in construction upgrades and expansion at the Crest Avenue waste water treatment facility adjacent to Lake Apopka. Expansion is required once a facility hits 50 percent capacity. Currently Winter Garden’s plant is at 74 percent, Pash said. 

The waste water treatment plant is where the water from flushed toilets and shower and sink drains goes to be treated — different from the water treatment plant which is where water from faucets originates. Solids are separated out and sent to another facility not owned by the city, Pash explained. The remaining water is converted to reclaimed water, which is then used for irrigation.

The bulk of the construction costs — 75 percent — are tied to the advanced water treatment requirements mandated by the state of Florida. Pash said the project’s engineer put the number to bring the aging facility into compliance at $99.5 million.

“It should be illegal to have state requirements and no funding for what they require,” noted District 1 Commissioner Lisa Bennett during the Oct 24 meeting. 

Construction to add a third tank and upgrade the existing facility is estimated to begin by early next year and continue through 2028. The city has worked for two years with an engineer on an upgraded design for the facility. 

Pash said with the upgrades and expansion, Winter Garden would be able to supply the city with more reclaimed water.

“We currently buy a lot of [reclaimed water] from [a facility] owned by Orlando and Orange County, so this would facilitate providing all of our own,” he said.

For residents who may need help paying the higher bills, Winter Garden provides some financial assistance through its Utility Assistance program, reducing bills by $35. Qualified recipients are low-income seniors, 65 or 62 receiving Social Security. For more information about income and required documentation, click here or call 407-656-4111, ext. 6327.

In addition, the city is negotiating with Heart of Florida United Way to provide additional assistance beginning in January 2025. Details will be reported as they are available. 

Orange County also offers one-time crisis assistance to help with water and energy bills or rent. 407-836-6500.