OVIEDO, Fla. — Oviedo city leaders are considering a utility rate increase to fund critical infrastructure projects, with a final public discussion scheduled for Monday night at City Hall.
The proposed 10-year Capital Improvement Project aims to address the city’s aging stormwater, water and sewer systems.
Mayor Megan Sladek said these upgrades are necessary to prevent flooding during heavy rain events and to support future population growth.
“We need to do everything all at once, and we don’t have any money saved up because we’ve been charging so little,” Sladek said. “It didn’t really all need to be done until very recently, but now it’s critical.”
If approved, the plan would increase utility rates by 25% in both 2025 and 2026. The city plans to borrow $100 million to fund $153 million worth of projects, with the total repayment amount reaching $185 million due to interest.
Sladek also clarified that the proposed rate hike is unrelated to new development within the city.
“Water flows downhill,” she said. “When pipes that are 30 to 40 years old fail within a subdivision, that’s got nothing to do with new construction happening elsewhere. We have to take care of our stuff, and it’s up to us to pay for it.”
Residents are encouraged to attend Monday night’s meeting to voice their opinions before the City Council makes a final decision on Monday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m.