In a recent City Council special session, officials held a discussion on the city's utilities, delving into water rates, legal matters, and equipment updates. Interim City Manager Mike Null took the lead by setting the stage for the approval of the 2026 Rate Study for Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water. This study, which was unanimously voted in favor by the Council, affects future discussions on potential utility rates and ensures a 25 percent financial reserve for the Water and Wastewater Department, as indicated in a recap shared by City of Green Cove Springs.
Amid the session, Council Member Cheri Starnes queried about the valuation of reclaimed water wherein Scott Schultz, Water Utilities Director, clarified that charges for potable water would be reallocated to a reclaimed water fund, additionally, the Council broached discussions with Clay County Utility Authority for water interconnection, a move requiring approval from both parties' boards with no definitive decisions made. City Attorney Jim Arnold provided insights into water and electric territorial agreements, while also handling a legal update on the Huntley property lawsuit, with the costs for defense creeping up and the possibility of additional allocations before a meeting slated for March 31.
In financial adjustments, Schultz announced a slight reduction in the City's semiannual loan payment, from $124,043.00 to $123,029.26, upon reconciliation of construction and administrative costs, marking another unanimous Council decision. Nonetheless, discussions didn't always promise smooth sailing, particularly when Council Member Darren Stutts stood against extra funding for the aforementioned lawsuit, preferring to explore settlement options. Stutts also touched on a separate issue concerning an expensive garbage truck repair, expressing intent to probe the $80,000 quoted repair cost.
The Council also took a peek into the future of the City’s Solid Waste Department, with a sidelight on selling a recycling truck expected to fetch at least $40,000 from an online auction according to Public Works Interim Director Greg Bauer. In regards to the City's stormwater fees, after a brief update on the lawsuit costs that are nearing their $10,000 cap for response and defense efforts, staff are conducting an extensive review with more information to be shared late March.
