Clearwater directs 54% of FY27 capital budget to utility infrastructure

Clearwater directs 54% of FY27 capital budget to utility infrastructureClearwater City Council unanimously approved the first reading of its FY2026/27 capital improvement budget and six-year capital improvement programme on 15 September. Utilities account for $103.1 million of the $190.4 million capital budget, making them the city’s largest capital spending category.

The FY2026/27 capital improvement budget totals $190.4 million.

Utility capital funding is budgeted at $103.1 million, or approximately 54% of the total capital programme.

The utility allocation covers planned capital maintenance for stormwater, water, sewer, gas, and solid waste and recycling.

Council approved the capital budget and six-year capital improvement programme unanimously on first reading.

The city said its total utility operating funds budget, covering water and sewer, stormwater, gas, and solid waste and recycling, is 4% lower than the FY2026 amended budget.

Clearwater City Council has placed utility infrastructure at the centre of its FY2026/27 capital programme, unanimously approving a $190.4 million capital improvement budget in which combined utility works represent the largest allocation. The utility capital budget is set at $103.1 million, approximately 54% of total planned capital spending for the fiscal year beginning 1 October 2026. The allocation includes planned capital maintenance for stormwater, water, sewer, gas, and solid waste and recycling operations. Council approved the annual capital improvement budget and a six-year capital improvement programme through Ordinance 9938-26 on first reading at its 15 September special budget meeting. The programme is to be re-evaluated at the beginning of each fiscal year. The utility allocation substantially exceeds the $48.5 million planned for general-government projects, which include police, fire, streets, sidewalks, parks and recreation facilities, libraries, and city buildings. Capital projects supporting internal services are budgeted at $19.4 million, while smaller enterprise funds, including the city’s marinas, air park and parking facilities, also receive $19.4 million. The capital vote came as part of the city’s wider FY2026/27 budget process. The proposed all-funds budget totals $800.0 million, including $609.6 million for operating and special-revenue funds and $190.4 million for capital improvements. City staff said the total capital budget is 15% above the current-year amended budget. At the same meeting, the council set a final millage rate of 5.8773 mills, described by staff as the rollback rate, and approved the annual operating budget on first reading. Staff said the aggregate utility operating-funds budget, encompassing water and sewer, stormwater, gas, and solid waste and recycling, is 4% below the FY2026 amended budget. The only capital-budget revision identified during the meeting was the removal of a $100,000 police-district dock replacement project. Staff said repair work was already under way and would instead be recorded among storm-related projects, with insurance and FEMA reimbursement being sought.