PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — St. Pete residents could see their water bills increase in October.
St. Pete City Council is considering raising utility rates by roughly 7%.
WATCH: City of St. Pete considers raising utility rates
City leaders said the increase is needed to keep up with inflation and to help fund storm resiliency projects.
"You have people who have lived here their entire lives, and they are struggling to live here now because all of our costs are going up," said Domenico Pontoriero.
Pontoriero is one of many people in St. Pete who have been receiving high water bills.
"It's hard for people to keep up with all of these costs, and the utility bill is high," said Pontoriero.
He showed his water bills from years ago.
"About five years ago my utility bill was about $100 bucks, and since then it's doubled, so it's a lot, especially since everything else has gone up as well, so it's a strain," said Pontoriero.
Residents said they have had to make some adjustments to their everyday lives to keep up with rising water and energy bills.
"I've dropped other costs, like I don't have my pest control anymore, I've removed subscriptions, but I can’t get rid of my utility bill," said Pontoriero.
But soon it could get even more difficult.
"Nobody wants to pay more for that stuff if it can’t be reasonably justified," said Wayne Schrader.
St. Pete City Council is considering raising utility rates by roughly 7%.
"I understand the need to keep pace with inflation, and there are certain financial realities," said Schrader.
The city brought up the potential rate increase at a city council meeting on Thursday.
City leaders are now reviewing water, reclaim, wastewater, and stormwater costs.
"Well, I know it’s complicated. Like I know that there are costs involved and there are increasing costs involved in these services," said Pontoriero.
The changes could take effect as soon as October 1, and the city will hold a public hearing about the rate changes on August 27.
Homeowners said they would like to see other options before moving forward with the rate increase.
"I understand it’s complex, like I understand why the utility rates are increasing, but I really wish our city could find more creative solutions to come up with the money," said Pontoriero.
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