Port Orange advances multi-year rate hike plan to fund distribution network upgrades

Port Orange advances multi-year rate hike plan to fund distribution network upgradesThe Florida city is adhering to an incremental fee structure adopted following a 2022 infrastructure study, aiming to close funding gaps for water and wastewater systems.

Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 26-4, establishing new water, wastewater, and reclaimed utility fees.

Mayor Scott Stiltner confirmed the hike is part of a four-year phase-in strategy based on a 2022 independent cost-of-service study.

Residents protested the increase, citing affordability concerns and opposition to treated wastewater aquifer injection.

City officials are simultaneously seeking state legislative funding to support separate stormwater and flood resiliency projects.

The Port Orange City Council approved updated water, wastewater, and reclaimed water fees on January 13, 2026, continuing a multi-year rate adjustment strategy intended to fund critical distribution network maintenance. The new rate schedule, adopted via Resolution No. 26-4, was passed unanimously as part of the consent agenda. Mayor Scott Stiltner addressed public concerns regarding the rising costs, explaining that the adjustments stem from a comprehensive independent study conducted in 2022. That assessment concluded the city’s previous rate structure was insufficient to maintain a safe and effective water distribution network. "Instead of the cost that was recommended from the study all coming all at one big time... it was decided to break that up incrementally into smaller increases over a period of four years," Stiltner stated following the vote. He noted that the city is currently in the midst of this phased implementation. The decision faced opposition during the public comment period. Resident Sandra Snodgrass urged the council to halt the rate hike, citing financial stress on citizens and voicing opposition to potential future plans involving the injection of treated wastewater into the aquifer. "I'm really urging you to not hike the water rate because we as citizens are stressed already financially," Snodgrass said. She also referenced the "Let Volusia Vote" initiative, which demands a public referendum before officials can approve projects that treat sewage effluent for aquifer injection—a concept critics have dubbed "toilet-to-tap" amid fears of groundwater contamination. Another resident, Janet Kirsch, raised concerns about billing accuracy, arguing she has been overcharged for water usage. Despite the objections, the council maintained the scheduled increase to ensure fiscal sustainability for the utility. The resolution covers fees for water, wastewater, reclaimed water, and other miscellaneous utility charges. In addition to rate-funded capital improvements, city leadership is actively seeking external support for water-related infrastructure. Mayor Stiltner announced that council members and staff would travel to Tallahassee this week for the start of the Florida legislative session. The delegation intends to advocate for state funding specifically targeting "resiliency for flood mitigation" and other stormwater infrastructure projects to supplement local revenue.