Lake Alfred Approves New Water & Sewer Fees

Lake Alfred residents will see changes to their water and sewer bills following the City Commission’s adoption of Ordinance No. 1567-25. The new ordinance establishes a five-year schedule for fee increases, replacing a similar schedule enacted in 2022.

The tiered fee structure aims to encourage water conservation. Base rates and the first block of water usage, up to 5,000 gallons, will see smaller increases. Larger increases target consumption between 5,000 and 10,000 gallons, and usage over 10,000 gallons. This approach seeks to minimize the impact on essential water needs while incentivizing reduced usage for irrigation and other non-primary purposes.

The city’s business impact estimate states the ordinance primarily relates to budget adoption and securing necessary revenue. Growth-related capital costs will be covered by connection charges, ensuring new development contributes to infrastructure expenses.

The new fee schedule aligns with legislative changes requiring local governments to prepare business impact estimates before enacting ordinances. Senate Bill 170, effective Oct. 1, 2023, and amended by Senate Bill 1628, effective Oct. 1, 2024, mandates these estimates under Section 166.041 of Florida Statutes. The City of Lake Alfred provided the estimate for procedural compliance.