LONGWOOD, Fla. – A highly contested proposal to more than double water and wastewater utility rates is on hold after a City Commission vote Monday night.
The Longwood city manager told commissioners the ordinance had been changed to remove all proposed utility and fee adjustments.
“The ordinance has been revised and amended to remove all proposed utility and fee adjustments,” the city manager said during the meeting.
The pause comes after residents voiced outrage over the proposed increases. In earlier News 6 coverage, the city manager said higher fees were being considered to pay for needs such as improvements to aging infrastructure and a new water treatment facility.
“The removal of these proposed fee adjustments will allow staff additional time to continue to evaluate the city’s long-term financial strategy for future water, utility and infrastructure needs including water treatment plant facility improvements,” the city manager said.
News 6 previously reported the city was considering raising rates from $15.29 to $35.30 by October 2029.
Commissioners discussed the pause-proposal for about 15 minutes before voting. The mayor announced the motion passed unanimously.
After the vote, residents in the room appeared relieved, with some smiling and quietly saying they felt heard.
Several residents later spoke during public comment about why the pause matters to them.
One resident, Shawn Martin, said his water bill has climbed dramatically over the years.
“In 2016, my water bill was about $70…$75 dollars,” Martin said. “My bill is $300-$350 a month now.”
Another resident, by the name of Joanne told commissioners she worries about being priced out of the community she has called home for decades.
“I am a senior. I have been here for 37 years,” she said. “And I came to Longwood loving Longwood, this small town community, but I don’t wanna be forced out because I just can’t afford it anymore.”
News 6 will continue to update this story as new details become available.