Policy Changes from Utilities Commission in New Smyrna Beach
Following a study conducted by an independent engineering firm, and public notices and public hearings, the New Smyrna Beach Utilities Commission has approved policy changes that will go into effect on May 1, 2017. The change is in the existing capacity fee policy, from category-based to a meter-based policy. Read more here:
The policy change includes an increase in Capacity Fees, which are one-time fees paid before a building permit is issued. The Utilities Commission has maintained lower ca-pacity fees in Potable Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed water. These rate increases represent a:
- 7.2% increase for Potable Water Capacity fee
- 3.2% increase for Wastewater Capacity Fee
- 9.3% increase for Reclaimed Water Fee
- The introduction of the Irrigation Water Capacity Fee
The proposed fee increase will only be applied to all new and upsized meter requests and does not apply to meter replacement. This fee does not impact the monthly usage charges.
A capacity fee study was conducted and presented to the Utilities Commission in September 2016. The study recommended the increase in capacity fees and a change in policy in determining equivalent residential units (ERU). The change in policy removes the current category based system and institutes a meter (“size” and “number of”) based system.
Information on the policy change can be found on the Utilities Commission website (ucnsb.org) in the “Customer Communications” section:
Additional information can be found on the UC website in the January 23, 2017 meeting section, and the associated approved resolution, No. 1 – 17.
