Citrus County approves utility budget transfers for SCADA protection and wastewater compliance

Citrus County approves utility budget transfers for SCADA protection and wastewater complianceThe Board of County Commissioners has authorized funding reallocations to install lightning suppression on SCADA systems, raise electrical panels above floodplains, and drill a new monitoring well mandated by state regulators.

The board reallocated $100,000 for lightning suppression devices to protect SCADA equipment under the county's SCADA Master Plan.

A $35,000 transfer was approved to drill a new monitoring well following a mandate from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding wastewater treatment facility boundaries.

An $8,800 transfer will fund engineering design to raise electrical panels above the adjusted floodplain at the Imperial Gardens facility.

The county also approved a $147,000 contract with Hydrograss Technologies for hydroseeding drainage retention areas to prevent stormwater erosion.

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners approved a series of budget transfers on June 22 to fund critical utility upgrades, regulatory compliance measures, and flood resilience improvements. Approved without discussion as part of the consent agenda, the reallocations direct existing utility funds toward immediate infrastructure needs. The largest transfer moves $100,000 from reserves to purchase lightning suppression devices for the county's SCADA equipment, advancing the ongoing SCADA Master Plan. To ensure regulatory compliance, the board approved a $35,000 transfer from capital reserves to drill a new monitoring well. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection mandated the new well due to changes in property and wastewater treatment facility boundaries associated with the Suncoast Parkway 4 (3A) expansion project. To address flood risks at the Imperial Gardens facility, commissioners authorized an $8,800 transfer for engineering design and construction administration to raise electrical panels above the adjusted floodplain. In a separate infrastructure decision, the board approved a $147,000 contract with Hydrograss Technologies, Inc. Funded through the stormwater municipal service benefit unit, the contract covers hydroseeding for drainage retention areas and stormwater rights-of-way to provide rapid soil stabilization and prevent erosion. Additionally, the county approved a $44,600 match for a Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority grant to fund an $89,200 water conservation program, which will provide rebates for WaterSense-labeled fixtures and irrigation controllers to reduce demand on local water resources.