Fort Lauderdale trims FY 2027 water, sewer, and stormwater budgets

Fort Lauderdale trims FY 2027 water, sewer, and stormwater budgetsThe City of Fort Lauderdale has reduced its tentative fiscal year 2027 Water and Sewer Fund budget by $7.3 million, alongside a $2 million cut to the Stormwater Fund.

The Water and Sewer Fund budget was decreased by $7,333,324 from the previously proposed budget.

The Stormwater Fund budget saw a reduction of $2,070,042.

The City Commission tentatively approved its five-year Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2027–2031 in a 4-1 vote.

During a September 9, 2026, special meeting, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission reviewed adjustments to its fiscal year 2027 tentative budget, which included notable reductions to its utility enterprise funds. The acting city manager presented changes made since the submission of the initial July 2026 proposed budget. Among the key adjustments, the Water and Sewer Fund budget was decreased by $7,333,324. Additionally, the Stormwater Fund budget was reduced by $2,070,042. The specific drivers, deferred projects, or line-item changes behind these utility fund reductions were not detailed during the hearing. Alongside the enterprise fund adjustments, the commission voted 4-1 to tentatively approve the city's overall five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the period beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2031. Commissioner John Herbst cast the sole dissenting vote against the CIP resolution. A final public hearing to adopt the five-year capital improvement plan and the final budget is scheduled for September 14, 2026.