SANFORD, Fla. – Sanford residents could soon see their utility bills climb significantly as city leaders weigh a proposal to raise water and sewer rates by double-digit percentages over the next five years.

At a workshop Monday afternoon, commissioners will review plans that would increase water rates by 33% and sewer rates by 29% through 2030, with the first hike starting later this year.

City staff said the increases are needed to keep pace with inflation and to fund nearly $297 million in infrastructure projects, including water treatment upgrades, new meters, and wastewater plant expansions.

But many residents say another increase would be too much.

“The idea of an increase? It’s absurd,” one resident told News 6. Another called it “ridiculous.”

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