Published: September 16, 2024
Bartow, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2024) – Polk County Utilities customers will see an increase to their rates beginning Oct. 1, 2024.
Water and wastewater (sewer) rates, last adjusted in 2019 and 2014, will increase by 6% beginning Oct. 1, 2024, and will increase by 6% every year through 2028. Similarly, the surcharge assessed on water usage to supplement the alternative water supply projects will increase by $0.25/1,000 gallons every year from October 2024 through October 2028. A similar surcharge will be added to reclaimed water usage.
“These rate increases are necessary to allow Polk County to continue providing safe and reliable utility service for our customers and our future,” said Tamara Richardson, Polk County’s Utilities Director. “The county has been able to avoid rate increases for many years, but changing regulations and increasing demands for services require that we make adjustments.”
Connection fees are money collected from new customers for connection to the existing system. Connection fees for a residential water service will increase from $2,844 to $2,941 on Jan. 1, 2025, and then to $3,038 on Oct. 1, 2025. Residential wastewater connection fees will increase from $4,195 to $5,182 and then to $6,168 in the same time period. Other service fees will increase based on the cost of providing the service. Increases may be added to the rates to adjust for inflation, as needed, annually.
For a complete listing of rates and fees, visit www.polk-county.net/rates, or call Polk County Utilities Customer Service at (863) 298-4100 for more information.