SUBJECT
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Adopt a resolution setting forth a preliminary schedule of revised County water utility rates, charges, and fees and SET HEARING on July 21, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. or soon thereafter to consider adopting a resolution approving the proposed revisions to the water utility rates, charges, and fees stated in the preliminary schedule.
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DESCRIPTION
To address Polk County's future water supply needs, the County, whether individually or by and through a cooperative of which it is a member, has undertaken development of a number of water projects and initiatives (each, a "Water Project). These Water Projects include the alternative water supply source (each and all, an "AWS") projects generally described in the interlocal agreements creating the Water Cooperative of Central Florida ("WCCF") and the Polk Regional Water Cooperative ("PRWC"), and the development of interconnections among cooperating local government utility systems. As a member of the WCCF and the PRWC and as a party to agreements established to implement the Cypress Lake, West Polk Wellfield, and the Southeast Wellfield AWS Water Projects, the County is obligated to fund its share of the costs for each project with those costs anticipated to become due over the next five years. Additional Water Projects include those which provide for the future growth and maintenance of existing County water utility systems and related infrastructure which the County must expand and maintain to meet all regulatory requirements and customer demands. To fund its Water Projects the County obtained financing through the issuance of bonds to pay for the associated water utility system capital improvements. The bond documents require the County to maintain an adequate debt coverage ratio, a requirement which is also necessary for the County to attain favorable bond ratings for any future bond offerings.
The County has engaged a rate consultant who after considering the Water Projects, the County Utilities'...
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