[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6190394,"mediaKeyId","5050208-a5c14dd0015165156f94c38d5b68f6b8","parentId",5050208,"title","Utilities report: May flows down, drought continues and TDS slightly elevated","audioSeconds",60,"startMs",105000,"endMs",165000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5050208-a5c14dd0015165156f94c38d5b68f6b8&start=105&end=165","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5050208-a5c14dd0015165156f94c38d5b68f6b8/thumbnail_105000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6190394/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Utilities-report-May-flows-down-drought-continues-and-TDS-slightly-elevated","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190394-ab94c9ae132759b1cbf222a0d73bb327/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437745&Signature=LNNrXFyHgISSJmQgNSZM2Sewb44A35oNB63ewVt~0lQ8XGYkNaw-MwBNYJAFByatwppuiOcYfq2qQsZevuWg831v8OSXySGHL5eWqM7JJqaxYBobLLLRJoZwyeYSisJVam0AUh38buzDy4KHQv7jGWsTFIPhGJq1DOfLcG69o60FA25CsFXgYVAPSzhUxPi~FZvyywKlffaQQnLrnYe4vj3FROwqLf6UkUAT8sMS4j8xWLWJluE6q1Ax~FTg5WahZXipxR9xj1L1junqHkQ3i2E4kWTSqY1xH85wYSv8PfTEMRWzhTyolHSXHpC68PfUvtsnHIFdOtJ9~yEwo1R4ZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Punta Gorda, FL","date","2025-06-23T12:51:48Z","article","Tom Spencer, Punta Gorda utilities director, presented operational data for May at the June 23 Utility Advisory Board meeting, reporting lower overall deliveries and continued regional drought conditions while noting slightly elevated water mineral content.

Spencer said average daily water to town for May was 6,600,000 gallons and the peak day was 7,500,000 gallons; total water to town for May was 205,490,000 gallons, down approximately 17.7 million gallons from April. He told the board that rainfall for May measured 3.29 inches versus a long‑term May average of about 3.9 inches and that “100% of Charlotte County is still under drought conditions.” He added May 2025 was the 29th driest May in 131 years, 1.71 inches below normal.

On wastewater, Spencer reported an average daily flow of 2,260,000 gallons, a three‑month rolling average of 2,370,000 gallons and a peak flow of 2,650,000 gallons.

Board members asked about the effect of intense, short‑duration rain events on reservoir inflow and water demand. Spencer said brief heavy rainfall does not always reduce demand because customers still irrigate according to schedules and the reservoir receives meaningful inflow only when higher‑rainfall events fall in the watershed above the reservoir.

Spencer also reviewed TDS readings: service water TDS ranged from about 545 to 673 parts per million with an average near 621 ppm, which staff said is elevated for the time of year; blended water TDS ranged roughly 300 to 413 ppm with an average around 350 ppm. He noted the blue line on the city’s graph represents the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 500 ppm for TDS and said blended targets aim for about 400 ppm or less.

When asked if upstream watershed restoration could address TDS, Spencer said the city is not currently pursuing a targeted TDS mitigation project, though restoration work in the watershed and an eelgrass pilot project being discussed with Charlotte County could influence nutrients and water quality over time.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Utility Advisory Board 6-23-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Punta Gorda utilities staff reported May water deliveries and wastewater flows, said Charlotte County remains entirely in drought designation, and described slightly elevated total dissolved solids (TDS) consistent with seasonal patterns.","taxTitle","Punta Gorda City, Charlotte County, Florida","taxId",54477,"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},6190399,"City reports council awards for engineering services; board hears updates on meters, hydrants and force‑main work",69,795000,864000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5050208-a5c14dd0015165156f94c38d5b68f6b8&start=795&end=864","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5050208-a5c14dd0015165156f94c38d5b68f6b8/thumbnail_795000.jpg","/articles/6190399/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/City-reports-council-awards-for-engineering-services-board-hears-updates-on-meters-hydrants-and-forcemain-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190399-bddfd522edbd2fd4011f647e502f3d78/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437745&Signature=Di7gnce9lW5XrpK-ogImhIMWiLj-4~ckbR1597E1CWsYEOw8mjUC1VsNF1sE2Fd6Kpu4u4qmmvcS9WKoz5gJE4yctwDlW2l2S8cUh-NjC97CQ2iqZqLcUF60-Ep~-FNN7mwigFEQ7b~r~iw9kWXzFhSJDXc0-8u8meROeOQHykEFEl40ddnUsmWPIQY-ZDAc3yzLNqhWgQhTdwc4P-fJlNv3Qw5Csl8Iv9ek0yCovj47ZE4ZmK7Xqc2eTy1xuCCc5lE0Sr21G2hR54Hfh2LEPoOWldbK22TDLd-tjHhasAls-n8xWGCHXwrNU4IKGNkJgUzSUSpxskskCQFKWZBkMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Punta Gorda City Utility Advisory Board on June 23 that City Council had approved several consultant master agreements and specific authorization for work tied to wastewater pumping and force‑main improvements, and staff also briefed the board on ongoing meter‑reading work and a separate hydrant maintenance program.

Tom Spencer, utilities director, said City Council approved a master agreement to CDM Smith of Fort Myers for wastewater master pumping facility improvements and booster generator replacement and authorized the firm’s first task order for phase 1 professional services. “We just had our kickoff meeting with CDM a little over a week ago. They brought an army of people … they spent some time with us and then … made site visits,” Spencer said.

Spencer also reported Council’s approval of a master agreement with McKim & Creed of Fort Myers for engineering services to replace an aging force main under I‑75; staff said the existing pipe is 18 inches and consultants will model hydraulic needs to determine whether upsizing (24‑ or 36‑inch options) is necessary.

Separately, Spencer updated the board on meter programs. He reported the city is successfully reading most AMI meters and has reduced estimated reads to fewer than about 100 accounts per month. Council approved an award to Olameter for meter reading services with a two‑year contract and an option to terminate, staff said; the contract was intended to provide continuity while the city completes a meter‑study and evaluates AMI replacement options.

Board recorder Alexandra Friend described how alternates would be appointed under a council‑approved bylaw amendment to expand the board to five regular members and two alternates: alternates may be appointed, are encouraged to attend meetings, and may serve at the dais and vote only when seated in place of a regular member.

On hydrant maintenance, Spencer said the city plans a dedicated program separate from the meter work. The city identified roughly 1,400 hydrants and previously had a dedicated hydrant maintenance worker who retired; the new program is expected to be launched before the end of the fiscal year, pending resolution of procurement details.

Spencer said staff is also moving forward on other projects in the CIP, including an additional master plan, wastewater pond liner replacement, lift‑station rehabilitation and a pump‑facility upgrade combined with generator replacement.","Staff told the Utility Advisory Board that City Council approved master agreements with CDM Smith and McKim & Creed for major wastewater and force‑main projects, and Spencer updated members on meter program progress, hydrant maintenance plans and planned force‑main replacements under I‑75.",{"_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},6190402,"Utility advisory board approves five-year budget, adds staff and signals multi-year rate increases",3728,1746000,5474000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5050208-a5c14dd0015165156f94c38d5b68f6b8&start=1746&end=5474","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5050208-a5c14dd0015165156f94c38d5b68f6b8/thumbnail_1746000.jpg","/articles/6190402/Punta-Gorda-City/Charlotte-County/Florida/Utility-advisory-board-approves-five-year-budget-adds-staff-and-signals-multi-year-rate-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6190402-231c24d4592e45bf64d28e00eca9aeb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437745&Signature=QA0tSFjVLTIslHZ8OWLVweyksk~HxS47vgavrmBfJADZghNBhKaaFjR1Bw6VI8djAFhxzo2Fot-j42Oj31tj5UPjc4q9jemAFXlHYjcbv2tG6UdUV9m~x4lscFaRaPlX~PrkOK6XIPBLmKgaxFfre5PF5qTshWyYFBofdY0~3AGhO9wd-tm6g1ydgKp2SKqVyLWU5STTDWmpDto3SQ8X4gefDw250E3EgD7GIO1EVRjHvo2RGySwFV3TnL6YyT9rqFLNI7EnIKRKzFQ4~9f0bpVLtcVsyGGn2SYMRAVf7KDdVEHPKo~Xkd0~vppx9Ovy~KT59Kc3XaCSyuRX3r0sYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Punta Gorda City Utility Advisory Board on June 23 approved the utilities division budget for fiscal year 2026 and endorsed adding five positions to the utilities staffing plan, while staff outlined a five-year capital improvement program that would require substantial financing and multi‑year rate increases.

The board’s action approved the proposed budget “as presented plus the 5 additional positions,” a motion that passed by voice vote. Board members discussed a proposed rate plan staff used in the pro forma, which includes 12% annual increases through fiscal 2029 and a 5% increase in fiscal 2030 to fund an ambitious capital program and debt service.

The vote followed a detailed presentation from Tom Spencer, utilities director, and Chris Simeon, finance director, who reviewed revenues, planned projects and financing assumptions. Spencer told the board the current pro forma assumes a 12% rate increase through fiscal 2029 and a 5% increase in fiscal 2030 and that consultants will refine how those increases would be distributed by customer tier. “Currently, the proposal is gonna be 12% increases, through fiscal year 29 and a 5% increase in fiscal year 30,” Spencer said.

Board members and staff stressed public outreach and explained that impact fees will cover only a portion of debt service on growth‑related projects. Spencer and Simeon said the city intends to bring a formal rate study and an impact‑fee study to the board in July and to City Council in August. The work includes analysis of whether a recently proposed state change to a county surcharge applies to the city; staff said they are awaiting legal guidance.

Key elements of the five‑year plan presented to the board include a placeholder estimate of $10 million for an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) replacement, and two large water projects each currently estimated at about $56 million: a reverse‑osmosis (RO) expansion and filtration improvements. Wastewater work highlighted in the pro forma includes the wastewater treatment plant improvement project and several force‑main and lift‑station upgrades. Staff plan to pursue a mix of financing: State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans for major treatment projects, bank loans for meter financing and grants where possible.

Simeon said the utilities fund remains solvent in the near term. Staff reported year‑to‑date water and sewer revenues above budget for the current fiscal year and noted transfers already set aside to meet future SRF debt‑service reserve requirements. The pro forma assumes use of reserves and a mix of transfers, estimated grants and estimated financing to balance the program while maintaining an operating reserve; staff recommended keeping an R&R reserve of $1.5 million and noted the existing operating reserve of $3.1 million may need future adjustment.

Board members recommended clear, simple public messaging explaining where water comes from, why projects are needed and why rates or fees may rise. Several members urged a one‑page “case for support” and GIS‑based story maps staff said the interim city manager is developing. Spencer said the rate study will consider statutory limits on immediate fee increases and whether the city should pursue the “exigent circumstances” route that requires additional hearings to raise impact fees faster than a 50% per‑year limit.

The board also discussed staffing requests contained in the budget: two water‑distribution maintenance positions and three administrative positions (an engineering technician, a project manager and a grants coordinator). Board members generally supported adding the positions but suggested outsourcing or a consultant approach for grant work if the city prefers not to hire a permanent grants coordinator immediately.

The board will forward its recommendation to City Council; staff said the budget presentation will go to council on July 9.","Punta Gorda City Utility Advisory Board approved the utilities division budget and five proposed staff positions and discussed a five-year capital improvement plan that includes a proposed 12% annual rate increase through fiscal 2029 and large water and wastewater projects including a $56 million RO expansion.","actionData","errors"]

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Utilities report: May flows down, drought continues and TDS slightly elevated

City reports council awards for engineering services; board hears updates on meters, hydrants and force‑main work

Utility advisory board approves five-year budget, adds staff and signals multi-year rate increases