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FGUA board votes to buy NFM utility and on rate increase pending BOCC vote

By Staff | Jun 18, 2010

The board of Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA), a state-run agency, voted to purchase North Fort Myers Utilities and on a rate increase, contingent on the Lee County Commission Board (BOCC) vote Tuesday to enter into a bulk agreement.

If the BOCC votes yes to FGUA, it will purchase the utility, which is earmarked to serve Waterways Estates and other areas. Either way, a FGUA spokesperson said, rates will go up.

North Fort Myers Utility customers could end up paying an extra $20 a month for water and sewer starting in October.

FGUA will pay $55 million for the buy.

The rate increase is approximately 45 percent which could amount to about $20 per month.

The majority of customers are wastewater customers that would

“If sale does not go through, the proposed increase with the current private owner $36.93, FGUA’s $36.32,” said FGUA’s Community Service Representative Barbara Kirby. “Either way residents will get an increase, but ours include capital improvements.”

There will be no change in water rates, just sewer rates.

“The sale is contingent on the BOCC vote Tuesday,” she continued.

For information on the BOCC meeting call 533-2226 or e-mail to dist4@leegov.com.