Utility Strategic Plan
Our Utility Department works hard every day to protect public health, care for the environment, and keep our water systems running smoothly. But as our city grows, we need to plan ahead. That’s why we’ve created a strategic plan to guide us through the challenges ahead and make sure we’re prepared for the future.
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Utility Rate Ordinance for Residents
Water & Sewer Rate Adjustments: What You Need to Know
What's Changing? Utility rate adjustments are taking place in phases:
💧8% increase in April 2025 and October 2025 (completed) ✅
💧Beginning October 2026, rates will adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Why is This Necessary?
💧 Aging Infrastructure – Upgrading treatment facilities to prevent costly breakdowns.
💧 Inflation & Rising Costs – The cost of materials, maintenance, and energy has significantly increased.
💧 Keeping Services Reliable – Ensuring 24/7 access to safe, clean water and efficient wastewater treatment.
2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan
Projects Involved with the Proposed Bond: Approximately 50 Active Capital Improvement Plan Projects/Programs
- Wells and Raw Water Supply: projects for sustainable water supply, WQ, capacity, transmission - $40M
- WTP#1: Sustainability: Pilot Studies and Upgrade Facility - $50M
- WTP#2: Ultrafiltration Upgrade: mechanical (piping/valves), structural skids/supports, I&C - $10M
- WTP #3: Low Pressure RO: 3.0 MGD to 4.5 MGD, then to 6.0MGD - $20M
- WWTP#1: Capacity Expansion: 6.83MGD to 10.83, 3+ years, 3 mg/l TN (Total Nitrogen) - $200M
- WWTP#2: Capacity Expansion: 2.0 MGD to 4.0 MGD in FY25, membrane in FY27, Odor Control - $5M
- WWTF #3: Land, PER, etc, consider 0.5MGD - 1.0 MGD temporary or modular facility - $20M to $40M
- Biosolids: Partnership with nearby Cities/Utilities, Land – O&M, and TBD potential capital needs
- Wastewater System: Grant Applications, Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) Assessment, Prioritized Rehab
- Meters: Large Meters, Backflow Preventers, AMI - $20M
- PEP Tanks: New Install & Replacements - $30M
- Florida Park Drive: Collection system - $5M
- Odor Control Systems: Plants, Pump Stations - $3M
- MOC / Efficient Facilities for Utility Operations, Logistics, and Staff - $25M
Expanding Capacity to Meet Community Demands
Putting Capacity Into Perspective
Overview of the Residential Utility Bill
Downloadable Materials
The City of Palm Coast hosted a Town Hall meeting on Monday, January 27 from 6-7pm at the Palm Coast Community Center. Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston presented the Utility Strategic Action Plan.
Since last year, the city’s Town Hall series has featured several elected officials and administrators presenting on current topics from infrastructure to public safety. Each Town Hall offers the opportunity for Q&A after the presentation.
On October 15, 2024, City Council approved proceeding with a utility gap analysis to be performed by Raftelis, a rate consultant, to determine the current rate revenue shortfall. This is important because it helps identify and address deficiencies in a utility system's capacity, financial performance, and infrastructure. It provides a clear understanding of current capabilities versus future needs, enabling informed decision making and strategic planning. Key reasons for conducting a utility gap analysis include; Identifying Capital Needs, Ensure Service Reliability, Support economic development, Update fees for services, and Budgeting and Resource Allocations.
This presentation reviews the findings of the GAP analysis and proposed recommendations for utility rate increases and adjustments to utility charges.
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Jan 13 2026 Council Workshop Utility CIP Presentation 01_05_26 update.pdf
Jan 13 2026 Council Workshop Utility CIP Presentation 01_05_26 update.pdf
Download3.78 MB
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April 2026 Council Workshop Utility CIP Presentation 4 2 26F.pdf
April 2026 Council Workshop Utility CIP Presentation 4 2 26F.pdf
Download1.77 MB
Utility Strategic Plan
Key Pillars in the Strategic Plan
Workforce & Culture
Providing a positive environment with opportunities for training, mentoring and advancement, that support attracting and retaining dedicated, professional employees.
Customer Engagement
Promoting awareness, confidence, and trust by optimizing the customer experience and communicating the value of water services and resources.
Operational Optimization
Enhancing resiliency by increasing staff capacities, leveraging data effectively, and improving workflows by embracing new technology, best management practices, and innovation.
Infrastructure Planning & Improvement
Regularly planning for and prioritizing system maintenance, resiliency, and improvements to address current challenges and prepare for future growth.
Communication and Coordination
Fostering partnerships for utility improvements and policies through active engagement and effective collaboration channels.
Financial Stewardship
Funding and supporting utility operations and infrastructure needs while balancing customer affordability impacts and strong financial policies.
Regulatory & Product Quality
Ensuring high-quality water services while adhering to evolving regulatory requirements through teamwork and operational diligence.
The Utility Strategic Plan was completed in 2025. The City Council conducted two public hearings at City Hall, 160 Lake Ave, Palm Coast, related to a proposed increase in utility rates. These took place on March 4, 2025, and March 18, 2025.
DEP Water Sampling Reports
Palm Coast’s drinking water is monitored and regulated. Learn how to access reports directly from the DEP. Over 100 sampling locations tested monthly | Continuous monitoring 365 days a year | Independent, certified labs conduct and analyze testing | Meets or exceeds all EPA & FDEP regulatory requirements
How To Search DEP Water Sampling Reports on the Florida DEP Document System
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How To Search DEP Water Sampling Reports.pdf
How To Search DEP Water Sampling Reports.pdf
Download4.39 MB
How to Read the DEP Water Sample Report on the Florida DEP Document System
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How to Read Your DEP Water Sample Report.pdf
How to Read Your DEP Water Sample Report.pdf
Download0.31 MB