During a recent public hearing, the Belleview City Commission approved Ordinance 2024-15 on final reading, adjusting water and sewer user rates to support infrastructure expansion and debt repayment. According to city officials, millage rates have remained unchanged for seven years, while water rates have not increased in approximately four years.
The increase amounts to an additional $3.00 per 4,000 gallons of usage. During the hearing, city officials indicated that Belleview is still more than $5.00 less than neighboring Ocala for that same amount.
Belleview’s City Finance Director provided background on the decision, explaining that a “utility revenue sufficiency study”, presented by a third party on October 1, 2024, assessed the city’s revenue needs for the next six years. The study recommended gradual rate increases to cover operational costs, capital improvements, and debt service obligations. As part of the changes, the Commission also approved switching monthly billing calculations from a per-1,000-gallon model to a per-gallon model to simplify reporting and improve transparency for residents.
During the public hearing, an Autumn Glen resident, who recently relocated to Belleview from Philadelphia, spoke in opposition to the rate increases, representing concerns from himself and other residents. The resident told commissioners that higher water bills would discourage others from moving to Belleview.
Commissioner Bo Smith said that he did not like the idea of raising any rates but pointed out that millage rates had remained unchanged for seven years, while water rates had not increased in approximately four years. He explained that due to consistently rising costs, the rate increase was unavoidable.
An independent audit of municipal utility rates across Florida, conducted by the Voice in 2023, found that Belleview’s water rates were among the lowest in the state. The audit surveyed several municipalities with similarly small populations, including Frostproof, Dade City, Clewiston, and others. At the time of the audit, Belleview’s rates were the lowest.
Belleview’s Finance Director further clarified the financial aspects, noting that the city secured a $6 million loan at zero percent interest for a new water well, with $3 million forgiven. For the sewer plant expansion, Belleview obtained a $30 million loan, with $10 million forgiven and the remaining $20 million carrying a minimal 0.034% interest rate.
A motion to approve Ordinance 2024- 15 was made by Commissioner Ron Livsey and seconded by Commissioner Ray Dwyer. The ordinance passed unanimously with affirmative votes from Commissioners Dwyer, Livsey, Smith, and Mayor Dobkowski.
