Deltona approves stormwater fee hike to fund $1.15M in drainage and pump improvements

Deltona approves stormwater fee hike to fund $1.15M in drainage and pump improvementsThe Florida city is continuing a five-year phase-in of stormwater rate increases to support utility operations, debt service, and capital projects in its FY2027 budget.

The annual stormwater assessment will rise from $190 to $210 per equivalent residential unit for FY2026-2027.

The tentative general fund budget includes a $1.15 million transfer to the stormwater capital improvement plan.

Action on a $2.5 million state grant for an aquifer recharge injection well was deferred to allow for further inter-agency coordination.

Contractors are mobilizing for the Lake Park Lakeshore Restoration, a precursor to the city's 4B Straw alternative water supply project.

The Deltona City Commission has reaffirmed a scheduled increase to its stormwater utility rates, securing new revenue to support drainage infrastructure and capital projects in the upcoming fiscal year. Approved as part of the September 9 consent agenda, the maximum stormwater annual assessment will rise from $190 to $210 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) for FY2026-2027. The adjustment is part of a previously adopted five-year phase-in plan designed to fund the utility's operations, debt service, and capital improvements. Under the scheduled phase-in, rates are set to increase to $230 in FY2028 and $250 in FY2029. During discussions on the city's tentative budget, Commissioner Howington noted that the $20 rate increase will generate approximately $700,000 in additional revenue for the stormwater utility. The tentative FY2027 budget, which the commission advanced on a 4-3 vote, also includes a $1.15 million transfer from the general fund to the stormwater Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) specifically targeted for water quality drainage and pump improvements. In separate water infrastructure business, the commission deferred action on a $2.5 million 50/50 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The funding is earmarked for the Upper Floridan Aquifer Alternative Water Supply Aquifer Recharge Injection Well project, which entails constructing one non-hazardous Class V aquifer recharge well and two monitoring wells. The Deputy City Manager requested the item be pulled from the agenda to allow staff more time to coordinate with the city's consultant and partner agencies. The city is advancing other water supply initiatives, however. The City Manager reported that contractors are currently mobilizing for the Lake Park Lakeshore Restoration project. Following an estimated six-month construction period, the city will proceed with the "4B Straw project," an alternative water supply and aquifer recharge initiative necessary to fulfill Deltona's Consumptive Use Permit requirements.