Citrus County sets wholesale wastewater rate and adjusts septic-to-sewer project budgets

Citrus County sets wholesale wastewater rate and adjusts septic-to-sewer project budgetsThe Board of County Commissioners adopted a new volumetric rate for bulk wastewater customers and recognized significant adjustments to state and federal funding for infrastructure improvements.

The Board adopted a bulk wastewater rate of $8.51 per 1,000 gallons to govern future interconnections.

Budget resolutions were approved recognizing over $2.8 million in new grant revenues for Old Homosassa septic-to-sewer projects, alongside a $2.84 million decrease for a separate phase.

The county secured a $750,000 federal appropriation for the Homosassa Lift Station Improvements Project.

Water Resources Director Ken Cheek noted the new rate structure is intended to accommodate future wastewater utilities sending flow to the county.

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners advanced its wastewater management strategy on February 10, 2026, by establishing a definitive wholesale rate structure and adjusting capital project budgets to reflect current grant funding realities. Following a public hearing, the Board unanimously adopted a resolution setting a bulk wastewater charge of $8.51 per 1,000 gallons. Water Resources Director Ken Cheek explained that while the utility currently serves an existing customer in Crystal River, the new resolution officially "sets the rate for future wastewater utilities to send flow to us." The rate adoption follows a comprehensive water and wastewater rate study conducted by Public Resources Management Group. In addition to setting rates, the Board approved budget resolutions to align capital accounts with available grant funding for the county's septic-to-sewer initiatives. The adjustments included the recognition of $1,464,591 in grant revenue for the Old Homosassa West Septic to Sewer project and $1,376,409 for the Southwest Surface Water Restoration and Wastewater project. However, the Board also amended the budget for the Old Homosassa North Septic to Sewer project to reflect a decrease of $2,841,000 in state grant funding. During legislative updates, Intergovernmental Liaison Alexander Alt confirmed that the county successfully secured federal funding for critical infrastructure. Alt reported that the Homosassa Lift Station Improvements Project received a $750,000 appropriation in the federal Interior-Environment Appropriations Package. Additionally, the City of Crystal River, located within the county, received a separate $750,000 appropriation for a wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation project.