About 330,000 St. Petersburg utility customers could see higher water bills this fall as city leaders weigh a package of rate hikes.

The City Council is set to discuss the proposal on Thursday, which would raise drinking water, wastewater, and sanitation rates by $2 to $4 per month. The biggest jump would come in stormwater rates, which could increase by 17.5% — or as high as 22.6% under an alternative plan. Overall, the average customer is expected to see an 8% to 10% increase in utility bills, according to city estimates.

Council Member Corey Givens Jr. said that could mean roughly $30 more each month for a typical household, though city charts show a smaller initial increase.

The extra revenue would fund capital improvement and resiliency projects, including flood barriers at wastewater plants, drainage upgrades, and stormwater system improvements — work some council members say should have happened years ago.

While some officials support the upgrades, others worry about the impact on residents already struggling with rising costs.

“I’m really struggling to go from a 17.5% to a 22.6% increase,” said Council Chair Copley Gerdes.

Resident Marley Price said she’s not thrilled about paying more, but understands the need.

“It costs a lot more when everything in your house gets ruined with stormwater,” she told Spectrum News. “I hope they put their foot to the gas and work on these upgrades because they’re really essential.”

A public hearing is scheduled for September 4. If approved, the new rates will take effect on October 1.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Google, & X

(Image credit: City of St. Pete)

PIE-Sun.com: local St. Pete-Clearwater news