by Groveland City Mayor Keogh
Someone recently asked me, “What’s on your mind, Mayor?” My answer: water!
During my first two months in office, I’ve talked with residents, staff, consultants and governing bodies to understand what’s happening with our customers’ utility bills.
We’ve discussed how the new water rates were developed, how the new revenue will be spent, and how this is affecting you.
I’ve learned that multiple factors created a “perfect storm” during October that resulted in unexpectedly high water bills in November.
First, the previous council approved a new water rate structure that went into effect on October 1. Many of you were unaware this was happening.
Second, there were too many days in the billing cycle. Most meters were read early to close out the fiscal year before the new rate structure took effect. Good intent, but with unintended consequences.
Then, while meter readings were still taking place, all personnel were pulled to prepare for Hurricane Milton. That matters, because the longer the cycle, the greater chance a household would be unfairly pushed into higher, more expensive rate tiers.
GROVELAND GETS IT DONE
Each month, I want to give a shout-out to the folks we don’t see every day. The ones who work behind the scenes to make sure our city works for all of us.
To kick us off, there are two Groveland employees I’d like you to meet: Servers and Stone Radmath work in our Transportation and Public Works department and every day, rain or shine, keep our city beautiful. You’ve probably seen them mowing along SR 50, fixing potholes, placing road signs and trimming trees. It’s hard work, and we appreciate all they do. Next time you see them out and about, wave hello!
The first Neighborhood Huddle was Thursday, Jan 30 from 7 pm to 8 pm at Ine Waterside Pointe Clubhouse
So now, let me tell you what we did to make it right:
- We’ve standardized the billing cycle to 30 or 31 days, even if it takes longer to read the meters.
- We’ve temporarily capped irrigation at Tier 3. This will change February 1, when all five tiers are in effect.
- We’ve adjusted the bills to reflect these changes and issued credits on the bill you received in January.
- We’ve been more intentional and transparent in our communications and will continue to do so.
- We are actively replacing malfunctioning meters; just this week,
229 were swapped out.
Later this year, we’ll launch a major replacement program to get everyone on a Neptune meter, which can be read from a tower instead of a vehicle driving through each neighborhood.
I believe we’ve turned a corner and get that sense from many of you, too. Your calls and questions are being answered, we’re keeping you better informed and we’re getting better at fixing problems. There’s more to do, but I’m encouraged by these first steps.
I am so proud to be your mayor and will continue to find ways to make our city strong, vibrant, and yes, charming!
