Water, Sewer, Stormwater Rates Going Up

Gulfport City Councilors unanimously passed a 12 percent rate increase for water, sewer and stormwater charges in Gulfport, during Tuesday night's council meeting.

The rate increase alone will cost a resident, who uses 2,000 gallons of water a month, an extra $3.31 on their bill, according to city leaders.

It's an increase that's needed to ensure customers aren't shocked by significant raises in the next four years, according to City Manager Jim O'Reilly. The recommendation was made by the city manager after similar water contracts with the City of St. Petersburg increased to 25 percent at the end of their agreements.

Currently, Gulfport residents receive water from the City of St. Petersburg. O'Reilly believes that when the current agreement ends in four years, St. Pete will impose a 25 percent increase. The vote Tuesday night was an effort to ease the costs over time.

Residents will be given a 30-day notice prior to the change.

According to city leaders, in the past 10 years, the City of St. Pete increased water rates by 82.85 percent with Gulfport only passing on 52 percent of those hikes to residents. Sewer rates have increased by 60 percent and Gulfport has only passed on 51 percent to customers, city officials say.

Take a look at the numbers:

Minimum Bill: 2,000 Gallons

Current Bill
Water   11.04
Sewer   13.72
Garbage   18.39
Stormwater   2.87
Recycling   1.68
TOTAL = 47.70

New Bill
Water    12.36
Sewer   15.37
Garbage   18.39
Stormwater   3.21
Recycling   1.68
TOTAL = 51.01                             INCREASE OF = $3.31

Bill: 4,000 Gallons

Current Bill
Water   22.08
Sewer   27.44
Garbage   18.39
Stormwater   2.87
Recycling   1.68
TOTAL = 72.46                           

New Bill
Water   24.72
Sewer   30.73
Garbage   18.39
Stormwater   3.21
Recycling  1.68
TOTAL = 78.73                              INCREASE OF = $6.27