Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: November 10, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Ed Torres, M.S., P.E., LEED AP, Director, Utilities
CONTACT: Glenn Kramer, Manager, Fiscal and Operational Support Division
PHONE: 407-254-9882
DIVISION: Utilities Fiscal and Operational Support Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
title
Approval and execution of 1) Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding setting a revised Preliminary Water System Charge Schedule; providing for a five-year rate plan; providing for revised conservation charges; providing for annual notice to customers; providing for severability; and providing for an effective date.and 2) Resolution of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding setting a Revised Preliminary Wastewater and Pollution Control Charge Schedule including new fees for environmental program reinspection and a lateral installation or repair; providing for an automatic annual rate increase; providing for a five-year rate plan; providing for periodic rate review; providing for annual notice to customers; providing for severability; and providing an effective date. All Districts. (Fiscal and Operational Support Division)
body
PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: On May 10, 2022, the Board approved a revised Water System Charge Schedule and a Wastewater and Pollution Control Charge Schedule, which together, provided a five-year rate plan for water and wastewater rates beginning on October 1, 2023. The financial analysis supporting this five-year rate plan determined that it would provide sufficient revenues for the financial needs of the Water and Wastewater System (“System”) over this period. However, since that time the System has experienced higher than normal cost increases in both operating and capital expenses, and we have subsequently determined that the current five-year rate plan is no longer sufficient to cover future operating, capital, and debt service requirements. To address these cost increases, we engaged our rate consultant, Stantec Consulting Services, to conduct a water and wastewater rate study and recommend appropriate changes. On December 2, 2025, we will discuss the recommendations of the study with you and offer rate resolutions with preliminary charge schedules for your consideration.
Chapter 153, Florida Statutes, requires the County to approve most rate changes in two steps. The County must first adopt a resolution setting forth a preliminary charge schedule followed by the adoption of the final charge schedule at a separate public hearing. The attached resolutions include the revised Preliminary Water System Charge Schedule and the revised Wastewater and Pollution Control Charge Schedule. The second step is to hold public hearings for final adoption of these charge schedules, which will be duly noticed and scheduled for January 27, 2026.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed the resolutions and found them to be acceptable as to form. Utilities Department staff recommend approval.
BUDGET: N/A