[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6666401,"mediaKeyId","2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0","parentId",2333221,"title","FPUA adopts Florida PSC inflation index; approves 3.24% increase for water and wastewater rates","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",2592565,"endMs",2733315,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0&start=2592&end=2733","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0/thumbnail_2592565.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6666401/Fort-Pierce/St-Lucie-County/Florida/FPUA-adopts-Florida-PSC-inflation-index-approves-324-increase-for-water-and-wastewater-rates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6666401-5e922653e0c07ad47cb0fe07d84ae037/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160374&Signature=M3DGN8btUmD6JiZ~0ASveZebbYxnv3G~uB53yB01~mMdIY-6lHLnGq1I4N0y0y-p2gwG-CnLCLEmG2wPDoizyaUjJYIsf2CY-RxN0OtzkYzwTTKg135yuXi5FB~MzqAZuNsZ2fcTd1LBTKlht8MfS0uNCu8rhkGcXd54uGvPwiymb7Wa4TUyK303XlLc7v2q73VLeIsiOVHFBl25Qzgkz-CR5cNx3CvP1QjQSK64kL~VI9gtgmgDFejWcShzEuhRu3Y4KAEv8Xl0~I0HDfpkFSxnWs0XgrFyKeWJ942XyJo6ec4~1VHdB52HcTuRiZULnJS0nmMEXdpziO3XomwZ7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Fort Pierce","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority board on Feb. 18 adopted two resolutions applying the Florida Public Service Commission annual price index to water and wastewater rates, increasing customer and usage charges by 3.24%.

Mr. Cisneros presented the second reading of both resolutions. The water resolution (UA2025‑03) amends the schedule of rates and charges for water services and cites Article 12 of the Fort Pierce charter; the wastewater resolution (UA2025‑04) performs the same action for wastewater services. Staff said the index‑based adjustments are standard for utilities in Florida and noted that the water and wastewater changes include no shielded portion — the index applies fully to listed charges.

Barbara Micah, chief financial officer, reviewed the sample bill included in the packet and confirmed the required advertising (published in the T.C. Palm at least 10 days prior) and that this meeting constituted the second reading required by state statute. There was no public comment on the resolutions at the meeting.

Both resolutions passed unanimously. Roll call votes recorded “yes” from Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Gibbons, Mayor Hudson and Chairman Fee.

The resolutions take effect as provided in each document; staff said the 3.24% index will be applied to customer and volume charges per the resolutions and that the adjustments are intended to keep rates aligned with inflation and avoid abrupt rate shocks.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fort Pierce - Fort Pierce Utilities Authority - Feb 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board adopted two resolutions to apply the Florida Public Service Commission's 3.24% inflation index to water and wastewater customer and usage charges; both measures passed on second reading with unanimous votes.","taxTitle","Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Florida","taxId",55008,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6666406,"FPUA holds power‑cost adjustment at 0% as rate‑stabilization fund sits above target",261,2041965,2303425,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0&start=2041&end=2303","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0/thumbnail_2041965.jpg","/articles/6666406/Fort-Pierce/St-Lucie-County/Florida/FPUA-holds-powercost-adjustment-at-0-as-ratestabilization-fund-sits-above-target","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6666406-c5139a69e5170e3254026c7cc74660b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160374&Signature=b4suoZ~8iVyNaDSGhtXMV6vBq-b9u4MtySYc~RJGWoe~qlfIW7d4NpfoH~Lds6f2ulQxxgn4fautzezS775zPxcKuaQDcgqgbDZ0fn8mNvJb-NsAAGXopZ4hX9~xthIugyQui1SG94lnKUXWOa4UuU3KzD-2WjpdrUUf1lnXLOECUgfWgR84VhaJqbLVL5eAq2uj3CNIhfzxDuJBjRGJKM52JQg2KHHDlzc55muWwhczcPQ5ZY8wh0NgilXv1ioemZqhvVy1m7eIG8ZdT1M4hkFxGd3kgcRHm60zy6ISTZ38-ERCbDMP1GiTuF64demgk3OYYQaQ9ja0Gg-RQdr8Ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fort Pierce Utilities Authority staff presented an information update on Feb. 18 showing the utility's Rate Stabilization Fund balance and recommending no change to the power cost adjustment charged to customers.

Barbara Micah, chief financial officer, presented the December projection from the Florida Municipal Power Association (FMPA) and the FPUA's PCA analysis. Micah said the Rate Stabilization Fund increased by about $600,000 for the quarter and stood at approximately $11.5 million at the close of December, above the board's targeted balance of $10 million.

“December projections from FMPA ... demonstrate FPA maintaining or have at or above our targeted balance for the Rate Stabilization Fund with a power cost adjustment factor of 0 throughout the remainder of the fiscal year,” Micah said. She told the board the PCA effective Feb. 1 is set at 0; the board previously approved a negative $3 adjustment in December.

Staff noted FMPA's forward purchases currently extend only through summer 2026, leaving later years exposed to market volatility. Because of that horizon and recent gas price movements, staff recommended maintaining the PCA at 0. The item was presented for information only and did not require a board vote.

Board members asked about FMPA's current purchasing strategy; staff said FMPA uses a rules‑based strategy rather than a single threshold and that the utility reviews the program quarterly and discusses it monthly with the FMPA board.

Micah also noted a formula error found in a handed‑out chart; staff provided corrected figures at the meeting.","FPUA staff presented a December update showing the Rate Stabilization Fund at about $11.5 million (target $10 million) and recommended no change to the power cost adjustment (PCA), which the board received as an information item.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6666412,"FPUA approves $5.44 million guaranteed maximum price for conveyance line to new wastewater plant",857,1143790,2001300,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0&start=1143&end=2001","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0/thumbnail_1143790.jpg","/articles/6666412/Fort-Pierce/St-Lucie-County/Florida/FPUA-approves-544-million-guaranteed-maximum-price-for-conveyance-line-to-new-wastewater-plant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6666412-0cbcd699b3cbe5377bed040bcdbfe7fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160374&Signature=JaATdafmnwBly7-O1cLQ4Dypu7Nuutj-2s9L4B8q1tcRd3PZdkCe9LN~ejLXZ7jnthJqMjsD76Xf1aY29VKM0DjhD-TjXYKqzMCCEC3mtgO4s2-OA~Gltoe93v0E8jVfqQsvMm57eh66maVxw7PypLgVzNnRNcwAUFuwxgetizHZTB8HvJAg2IQH~mM7OKqMYLy0lvv47LSA1SJfcIyybLLKuTMhWtg3h3PE-BRkBPYE6t~bp9xRL6lATAcfUeIyabB0k-bmHeiAmRVIZiZciuNlhUjIbAwFzMgTlwO6sNsjuJpWAAsrKLJ4eOAseRuoADNsTXMCViWjAikzWWDK6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority board on Feb. 18 approved Amendment 2 to a progressive design‑build agreement with contractor TLC Diversified, authorizing a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $5,443,398.98 for capital improvement project 2.1 — the installation of a 30‑inch conveyance main along Jenkins Road from Okeechobee Road to Edwards Road — and a separate FPUA contingency of $150,000.

Shane Ostrander, environmental engineer, told the board the amendment signifies the start of the construction phase for the conveyance system that will redirect wastewater flows from the island reclamation facility to the mainland treatment plant. “Amendment 2 signifies the start of phase 2, the construction phase of the contract,” Ostrander said. He described the 30‑inch trunk as the pipe that “will take the majority of the flow from the plant existing plant south to the new plant.”

Ostrander and staff explained that the 30‑inch pipeline for this segment will deliver roughly three‑quarters of a million gallons per day to the new plant at start‑up and that additional conveyance projects will extend the 30‑inch capacity as the system is phased into full operation. The board heard that some existing sections of the system are 24‑inch and may be upgraded later if flows require it.

Board members asked for cost context. Staff said earlier design and permitting work and the preconstruction phases total roughly $2.4 million previously approved; the $5.443 million construction GMP plus those earlier amounts bring the progressive design contract to about $7.8 million to date. Staff also confirmed the project is bond‑funded.

Mrs. Davis pressed for clarity on the packet figures and approval history; staff responded that earlier amendments covering design services and preconstruction work were previously approved in 2023 and 2024 and that the current action is approval of the construction GMP and the $150,000 internal contingency and authorization to issue written notice to proceed for phase 2.

The board voted unanimously to approve Amendment 2 and the contingency. Roll call votes recorded “yes” from Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Gibbons, Mayor Hudson and Chairman Fee.

Contract and project details in the presentation: contractor TLC Diversified; GMP $5,443,398.98; separate FPUA contingency $150,000; scope: Jenkin(s) Row/Jenkins Road trunk from Okeechobee Road to Edwards Road; 30‑inch diameter pipe; initial capacity for start‑up ~0.75 million gallons per day. Staff said additional CIP phases will be brought to the board in future amendments for remaining conveyance segments.","The board approved Amendment 2 to a progressive design‑build with TLC Diversified, authorizing a $5,443,398.98 guaranteed maximum price for construction of a 30‑inch trunk line (CIP 2.1) and a separate $150,000 FPUA contingency; the cumulative design‑and‑construction contract total is approximately $7.8 million.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6666416,"FPUA board approves revised downtown smart‑city MOU, drops kiosks and expands fiber and free Wi‑Fi",911,193085,1104365,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0&start=193&end=1104","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2333221-26234ef2eeda9c0178f81362158f57d0/thumbnail_193085.jpg","/articles/6666416/Fort-Pierce/St-Lucie-County/Florida/FPUA-board-approves-revised-downtown-smartcity-MOU-drops-kiosks-and-expands-fiber-and-free-WiFi","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6666416-506b9bbaba989ae9beee4fd2b2f268c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771160374&Signature=lUfAfHxR6fqBV~AOvYVGPXmeiVPGrdkHswFdZA8RmngeSCD7JLZ6jb7k1xH98LANuwb4v23GqXRMK7auwP4MscFVW00oVFo53-dGISgTGn5XDsTPXFYm0VuUL3Hgf~aYExdGmVKhmuATQR0h8zRBbZF8Uv5fczQrwdJRmRh3qtvehksJFgsng9P6RwQ1xKZSTZkdDOrJrcgWe07MHaOQah0wyUIUKVXZ2q8Xdz67OB6AqHYb1Y3BBNPL-tCnDE3eYJrMa6cqtxmMwfgIy3OiCiGAdQqnSmFcBv-iGaHQnzqDOMiqBGeiwiNJ~WNi8RE2trkGsKYIRujeT2abAelbsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority board on Feb. 18 approved a revised memorandum of understanding that removes planned smart kiosks and redirects that funding to expand fiber and free public Wi‑Fi across the downtown footprint.

Jason Mittler, FPUA manager, told the board the amendment replaces the earlier plan for smart poles and kiosks and focuses on extending fiber and a wireless network. “The overall goal of this project was to expand the Smart City Initiative throughout the downtown, which would include fiber and free public Wi Fi,” Mittler said. He told the board the fiber expansion was completed in September 2024 and that, upon approval of the amended MOU, Wi‑Fi will be installed at Riverwalk by March 2025.

The amended footprint extends fiber past Orange Avenue to Citrus Avenue and will add Wi‑Fi from Riverwalk down to the Manatee Center and into Marina Square, Mittler said. The wireless network is intended to support public Internet access and other services the city or public‑safety partners may require. “So when we say Wi Fi, it's really a wireless network. It's not just Internet so anything that the city would desire anything that you could dream of from a smart city service can also traverse that wireless network,” Mittler said.

Board members asked whether the change required additional budget authority; Mittler said there are no budget changes tied to the amendment and that reallocating the kiosk funds to infrastructure “ends up creating additional revenues.” The board also discussed the removed kiosk element: staff had worked with two kiosk vendors and concluded ownership, advertising permits and content management responsibilities could not be resolved with the city and vendors.

Mrs. Gibbons, a board member, asked whether the change eliminates kiosks; Mittler replied, “That is correct.” Mrs. Gibbons and other board members said they hoped community partners — including the Downtown Business Alliance, the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency and the Tourist Development Council — could help create the visitor‑facing information services originally envisioned for kiosks, using the city's new wireless infrastructure and smartphone “waypoints.”

The board voted unanimously to approve the amended MOU. Roll call votes recorded “yes” from Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Gibbons, Mayor Hudson and Chairman Fee.

Staff said FPUA will continue to coordinate with city and county partners, public safety agencies and local business groups to explore how the wireless network can support cameras, public‑safety analytics and visitor information services. The board did not set a separate timetable for additional smart‑city applications beyond the March 2025 Riverwalk target.

Additional background: the original MOU was signed May 3, 2021; a prior amendment that replaced smart poles with four smart kiosks was signed July 11, 2023. The current amendment removes the kiosks and repurposes those funds to expand fiber and a wireless footprint already completed to Citrus Avenue.","The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority board approved an amendment to its downtown smart‑city memorandum of understanding, removing planned smart kiosks and reallocating that funding to expand fiber and free public Wi‑Fi across the downtown footprint; Wi‑Fi installation at Riverwalk is planned by March 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

FPUA adopts Florida PSC inflation index; approves 3.24% increase for water and wastewater rates

FPUA holds power‑cost adjustment at 0% as rate‑stabilization fund sits above target

FPUA approves $5.44 million guaranteed maximum price for conveyance line to new wastewater plant

FPUA board approves revised downtown smart‑city MOU, drops kiosks and expands fiber and free Wi‑Fi