According to officials, new sewer rates are anticipated for residents in the Stonebridge area of Lakeland. This comes after a second reading of an ordinance change at the latest BOC work session held on Thursday, April 7th at City Hall.
The change is necessary after Lakeland acquires the remaining sewer assets in Stonebridge upon execution of the Inter-jurisdictional Agreement with the City of Memphis. The acquisition from the City of Memphis means Lakeland will fully own and be responsible for the maintenance of the existing sewer infrastructure in Stonebridge. According to city documents, that includes approximately 55,379 feet of additional sewer line and three pump stations.
According to Lakeland City Engineer Emily Harrell, the adjustment in sewer rates will be needed due to the operation and maintenance cost of the system in South Lakeland.
If the new rate is adopted at the BOC business meeting scheduled for April 14th, Lakeland proposes to charge a flat $23.00 sewer fee in addition to the volumetric rate that is charged by the City of Memphis for the treatment of the wastewater. The new rates would take effect on July 1, 2022. The same fee structure is already in place for Fairway Meadows residents, which is owned and maintained by Lakeland and treated by Memphis.
Mrs. Harrell confirmed the rates will increase over time and will only impact certain areas. “The rate will be phased in over 3 years. The sewer rate amendment applies only to the Stonebridge area that we are acquiring from Memphis.”
Once implemented, the new rates are expected to generate approximately $720,000 in revenue to help with maintenance and operation costs for the system.
To see a list of addresses that will be affected (and if that property will be a flat rate per month or an escalating sewer rate as seen below), please go to the city document found here.
Lots specifically described in Exhibit A
Effective July 1, 2017, the sewer charge shall be $23.00 per user per month
Lots specifically described in Exhibit B
Effective July 1, 2022, the sewer charge shall be $7.67 per user per month
Effective July 1, 2023, the sewer charge shall be $15.34 per user per month
Effective July 1, 2024, the sewer charge shall be $23.00 per user per month
