Lakeland officials clashed over who should be footing the bill for nearly $70 million needed in stormwater drainage and lake water quality projects.
The City Commission voted 6-0 on Dec. 15 to deny the a proposal that would have nearly doubled the stormwater utility fee rate while simultaneously changing how the fee is assessed, resulting in up to a potential 300% increase for commercial businesses. Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley was absent during the vote.
“Our biggest job creators and commercial partners were carrying a heavy burden in regard to facing up to 300% increases,” Commissioner Stephanie Madden said. “It seems like the residential [fee] of $2.50 extra a month is absolutely palatable and certainly we had a lot of residents who flooded. We want to see our stormwater system improved.”…