Lakeland hasn’t raised the water and wastewater impact fees it charges on new developments since 2011. Now, a consultant is recommending doubling the impact fee for each new residential unit from $2,966 to $7,275.
The city paid Maitland-based Raftelis Financial Consultants Inc. $21,000 in April 2020 to review its water and wastewater impact fees.
Murray Hamilton, vice president of Raftelis, told commissioners that the city’s current fee is far below the actual cost of adding new users to its system.
“The fee really aims to avoid growth-related costs from burdening existing customers … The idea is growth pays for growth.” TREVOR MCCARTHY, SENIOR CONSULTANT FOR RAFTELIS
The City Commission is unlikely to leave the rate untouched, as it did in 2015. However, they can choose an amount lower than the recommended fee of $7,275.
The commission is expected to consider the matter at its July 1 meeting.