In order to keep our utilities operating efficiently and in a financially sound manner, a rate increase of approximately 15% for both Wastewater and Solid Waste is proposed for FY04. There is no rate change for Water. These changes would bring the monthly utility bill for an average City of Tampa residential customer to $67.70. With this change our utility rates continue to remain lower than many jurisdictions. Concurrent with this proposal is an increase in the senior citizen discount for solid waste from $2.25 to $2.50 per month. Information on the senior citizen discount can be obtained by calling 348-1186 or 274-8974.

The City of Tampa has experienced long standing flooding and erosion problems caused by stormwater runoff. To solve the problem, City Council has enacted an ordinance to create a stormwater utility. Fees that are collected by this utility will go into a separate fund that may be used only for stormwater services. The revenues from these fees will be used for environmental protection, stormwater planning for future capital projects and operations and maintenance purposes throughout the city. Examples include filters for stormwater outfalls that go into the bay and the Hillsborough River and other projects that are of general city-wide benefit such as street sweeping and cleaning as well as correcting erosion problems in ditches and culverts.