A proposed utility rate hike in St. Petersburg, Florida, is moving closer to reality, raising new concerns for residents already stretched thin by housing, food, and other rising household costs.
City officials say they need more revenue to replace outdated infrastructure, and under the proposal, many customers would see their total utility bills climb about 7%, roughly $8 to $10 a month for a typical single-family home.
Here’s what to know
WFLA reported that council members have approved the proposal for its first hearing. The plan applies to water, wastewater, reclaimed water, sanitation, and stormwater fees, and it is scheduled to return for a final public hearing and vote on August 27.
Under the current timeline, any approved increase would begin October 1. City leaders have said the extra revenue would be used to modernize older utility systems and reduce costly emergency repairs…