SANFORD, Fla. – Residents of Sanford might soon notice a sharp rise in their utility expenses, as city officials consider a plan to significantly boost water and sewer rates over the next five years.

During a workshop scheduled for Monday afternoon, city commissioners are set to discuss a proposal that would see water rates jump by 33% and sewer rates by 29% by 2030, with the initial increase expected to take effect later this year.

According to city staff, these rate hikes are essential to counteract inflation and finance nearly $297 million worth of infrastructure projects. These projects include enhancements to water treatment facilities, installation of new meters, and expansions of wastewater plants.

Nonetheless, the potential rate hikes have sparked concern among many residents, who feel that another increase would be burdensome.

“The idea of an increase? It’s absurd,” one local resident expressed to News 6, while another described the proposal as “ridiculous.”

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Homeowner Jose Cisneros said he and his family are already struggling to cover monthly expenses.

“Really, we’re struggling as it is, and any increase is just not going to help us at all,” Cisneros said.

One Sanford couple said their current water and sewage bill already totals about $110 a month for three people. Another homeowner told News 6 her monthly costs are roughly $145 for two people without lawn irrigation.

The workshop comes just weeks after city commissioners unanimously rejected a proposed fire fee that would have added about $85 a year to household bills. That plan was scrapped following heavy community pushback.

City leaders say Monday’s meeting, set for 4:45 p.m. at City Hall, is intended to review rate projections before moving forward with a public hearing process.

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