Citrus County targets millions in state funding for septic-to-sewer expansion

Citrus County targets millions in state funding for septic-to-sewer expansionThe Florida county has placed wastewater expansion at the top of its 2026 legislative priorities while adjusting agreements for ongoing projects in the Homosassa service area.

The county is seeking a $6.2 million state appropriation for the Floral City septic-to-sewer expansion.

The Board approved amendments to FDEP grant agreements for three separate Homosassa-area sewer projects.

A public hearing to consider a proposed bulk wastewater rate has been set for February 10, 2026.

Funding for a tri-party agreement regarding wastewater connection fees was allocated from the Business Tax Reserve.

Citrus County Commissioners advanced a robust wastewater infrastructure agenda at their January 6 meeting, focusing heavily on septic-to-sewer conversion projects through both legislative requests and grant management. During the legislative update, Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison Alexander Ault outlined the county’s top priorities for the 2026 session. Leading the infrastructure list is a $6,227,894 appropriation request for the Floral City septic-to-sewer expansion. Additionally, the county is seeking $925,000 for a septic-to-sewer incentive program to encourage residents to connect to new systems. These requests align with a broader state push for environmental restoration, as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has prioritized funding for nutrient pollution reduction in sensitive spring basins through initiatives like the Statewide Wastewater Grant Program. With Governor DeSantis proposing $50 million for springs projects in the FY 2025-26 budget, Citrus County is positioning itself to capitalize on resources similar to those recently awarded to neighboring Hernando County for Weeki Wachee protection efforts. On the regulatory and contract side, the Board approved multiple amendments to agreements with the FDEP to facilitate ongoing works. These included Amendment 2 for the Homosassa Phase 5 Septic to Sewer Project and Amendment 3 for the Old Homosassa North Septic to Sewer Project. These grants are part of the state's continued investment in diverting wastewater from onsite systems to central sewer facilities to protect local waterways. Regarding Amendment 3 for the Old Homosassa West project, County Administrator Steve Howard issued a correction to the agenda, noting that the amendment will reallocate funding from another project phase to the Old Homosassa Downtown West project, rather than Phase 5 as originally listed. These administrative moves ensure the continued flow of grant funding for the county's efforts to reduce nutrient loading. Financial decisions regarding connections were also finalized. The Board discussed the funding source for a budget transfer related to a Tri-Party Agreement with Technology Conservation Group (TCG) for wastewater connection fees. Following a recommendation from Commissioner Davis, the Board voted unanimously to fund the $25,000 requirement from the Business Tax Reserve. In other utility business, the Board set a public hearing for February 10, 2026, to consider a proposed bulk wastewater rate applicable to customers across all Citrus County Utility Service Areas. They also approved the acceptance of perpetual utility and access easements from Links Golf – Sugar LLC to facilitate the installation and maintenance of a reclaimed water main from the Southwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility to the Sugarmill Woods golf course.