×
×
homepage logo
STORE

FGUA delays sewer hookups for 60 days

By Staff | Mar 31, 2009

Citizens voiced their opposition to mandatory sewer and water connection to the Board of Directors of the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) at its monthly meeting Thursday, March 19 at the Majestic Golf Club meeting room. Several people said that in these difficult times it would be a severe hardship to pay the connection fees that have been mandated.

“I’m barely making my mortgage. I don’t have any more money,” said Sandra Criswell.

The utility’s community service representative, Barbara Kerby, confirmed that 34 homes were in foreclosure and five more were bank-owned.

“I am appalled as a property owner for over 16 years, that FGUA could with good conscience consider these adversities on the citizens of Lehigh. I for one could potentially be forced into foreclosure or other hardships as a result of the decision,” said Mike Murphy, during the public comment period.

“I am only one of many residents of which do not fit into your ‘model’ of estimated costs. I am over 220 feet from the right-of-way and it would cost an additional $20,000 to finance, he said.

Murphy estimated that with the new water and sewer fees it would cost more than $350 per month for 15 years.

“Since it is mandatory why not offer a 25-30-year plan for all,” Murphy said.

Board members noted that they had to follow Florida law.

System Manager Bob Sheets advised the board that the cost for each separate property could not be determined until they complete the location study for the existence of lateral connections. If one exists, the cost would be about $6,000, rather than $10,000, he said.

Sheets said he would bring back to the board a more detailed cost estimate for each property owner.

The board agreed to delay for 60 days the final order.

FGUA Director Robert Knight urged Lee County to apply for grants to help residents pay for the improvement.

The hookups must be completed by mid 2010 in order to place the assessments on the November 2011 tax rolls.

The utility advisory committee will meet April 15 at Veterans Park in Lehigh.

Sheets appeared before the Florida House Energy and Utilities Committee in Tallahassee and opposed HB696 (Senate Bill 1192) which would establish Public Service Commission (PSC) oversight on rate increases.

FGUA has one of the highest water and sewer rate structures in the state. The committee passed the bill. If approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor, Lehigh utility rate increases would have to be approved by the PSC.