Florida Governmental Utility Authority [FGUA] review: Gouging

Dear Customer:

Thank you for providing your comments regarding FGUA rates and your customer service experience.

Regarding FGUA rates, the FGUA is a not-for-profit governmental utility and does not seek to make a profit on its utility operations. The FGUA has different systems with different rates and rate structures throughout the State of Florida. In general, FGUA rates in each system are based upon the previous rates and operating costs of the previous owner of the utility, as well as the FGUA's costs to pay for the acquisition, capital improvements, operations and maintenance costs of the utility, and are determined by an independent rate analyst to ensure that the FGUA meets these requirements, and meets its debt service requirements for the bonds the FGUA received to acquire the different systems.

Prior to an acquisition and approval of FGUA rates, the FGUA meets with community leaders, as well as local appointed and elected officials, and receives approval to acquire the systems and approve the rates. FGUA acquired the former City of Dunnellon utility systems following approval of the acquisition of the City of Dunnellon System by the FGUA Board of Directors on December 18, 2017; and the Interlocal Agreement between the FGUA and the City of Dunnellon on the same date.

FGUA has engaged with its independent Rate Consultant, Raftelis, to review current rates and if rates may be modified, including the existing water and sewer rate structure, which encourages water conservation due to the limited available water resources and to protect the local environment. Following review by utility management, duly-advertised public hearings will occur before review and possible approval by the FGUA Board of Directors. FGUA anticipates possible public hearings and notification in 2025.

Customers with concerns requesting additional review are welcome to submit an e-mail comment form with all relevant details on the FGUA website under the “contact us” section of the website at https://www.fgua.com/support-center/contact-us/. The forms are sent directly to the FGUA Community Services Team, who act as the Consumer Ombudsmen for the utility. The Community Service Team member typically respond within one business day.

Thank you again for reaching out to the FGUA.

Sincerely,

Matthew Rihs
FGUA Community Services Manager