The Punta Gorda City Council approved a $203.6 million budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year on September 24, keeping the property tax rate steady at 3.8686 mills. While the budget passed unanimously and without debate, residents voiced strong concerns over recently approved utility rate increases.
Many, including retirees on fixed incomes, said rising water bills could be devastating. “The rates are going up so fast, we can’t afford them,” said Glen Coombs, a Punta Gorda Isles resident, who also criticized unchecked development as a driver of higher costs.
Council members acknowledged the burden but stressed that infrastructure upgrades cannot be delayed. Utilities Director Tom Spencer reminded officials of this year’s boil water notice and warned that without improvements, such advisories could become frequent. Punta Gorda has already exceeded its projected water use for 2030, reaching 9.5 million gallons per day in 2022.
To meet demand, the city is:
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Expanding its reverse osmosis plant
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Adding wells and water treatment capacity
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Rehabbing the Shell Creek facility
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Replacing water meters
By 2026, the typical residential customer will pay about $11.20 more per month. City officials are also pursuing state and federal grants to help reduce the impact.
Beyond utilities, the budget funds 16 new positions across Public Works, Public Safety, and the City Clerk’s office, along with technology upgrades, road paving, drainage projects, and emergency equipment replacements.
While property tax rates remain stable for now, officials warned of potential challenges ahead. Falling home values could lower revenue in the coming year.
For full budget details and utility project updates, visit the City of Punta Gorda’s official website.
