MAITLAND, Fla. — Maitland water and sewer customers could face five straight years of rate increases after the City Council approved a first reading of the proposal Monday night.
The plan calls for 12% annual increases in fiscal years 2027, 2028 and 2029, followed by 6% increases in 2030 and 2031. Applied successively, those percentages compound to approximately 57.9% over five years. The vote was not a final adoption. A second reading is still required before any increase takes effect.
City Manager Mark Reggentin told council members the decision was less about policy and more about keeping the city’s utility system solvent.
“You gotta take your councilmember hat off and put your boardmember hats on,” Reggentin said.
He said much of Maitland’s underground infrastructure dates back decades.
“Utility infrastructure is usually out of sight, out of mind,” Reggentin said. “But many of the major components in our system date back to the 60s. We have a lot of 40 year old infrastructure in the ground.”
According to Reggentin, the city has more than $60 million in capital projects that need to be completed by 2031, all involving the replacement and renewal of aging infrastructure. He said that gradual rate increases now would help the city avoid much higher costs later.
“If rates aren’t gradually increased over time, there will be a larger catch up provision in the future,” Reggentin said.
George Bridge has lived in Maitland for 68 years and previously worked for the city’s public works department, handling sewer and water systems. He said he understands firsthand how old the infrastructure is.
“I worked public works, sewer and water,” Bridge said. “So, I mean, again, 50 years ago was a lot.”
Still, Bridge said another rate hike is difficult to accept.
“I’m not for any increase in anything, but I say this is home,” Bridge said. “I’ll stay. No matter you know, gas, groceries, whatever. It’s all up.”
Bridge estimates his current monthly bill for water, sewer, and recycling is about 80 dollars. With the proposed increase, he said the cost could climb to nearly 100 dollars a month.
Maitland’s proposal comes as several nearby cities are also raising utility rates. Apopka approved a 6% increase for water, sewer and reclaimed water service, taking effect Oct. 1. Winter Park raised its water and sewer rates 4.23% for the current fiscal year. Orlando approved a four-year schedule of sewer rate increases beginning Oct. 1, 2026.
A second reading and vote on Maitland’s proposal is still required before the increases could take effect.
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