City Commission Virtual Workshop 10202026

The City of Panama City’s October 21, 2026 virtual workshop focused on Mott MacDonald’s Millville wastewater treatment plant relocation study. The study, funded by a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant, identified Alternative 6A as the highest-ranked option: build a 3-million-gallon-per-day treatment plant in Panama City North, develop reclaimed-water reuse, convert the Millville site to a master pump station, and convey its flows to the St. Andrews plant. The study estimated total capital costs of $282 million. Compliance with Florida Senate Bill 64, currently due January 1, 2032, is a key schedule driver; a possible extension could move the deadline to 2035. The presentation also described a challenging 24-inch force main, potential wetland reuse, and Class V recharge wells, with well costs discussed at approximately $6–$10 million per million gallons per day of capacity.

Commissioners raised concerns about affordability and rate increases, and urged staff to explore a phased, scalable approach and regional cooperation before committing to a large project. Discussion included purchasing treatment capacity from neighboring utilities, partnering with Bay County or other communities, considering a regional utility authority, and developing a package plant in Panama City North; the Shelton development agreement already provides 20 acres for a potential facility and requires purple pipe for irrigation. Staff noted ongoing required Millville upgrades and said existing force-main capacity needs investigation. No contract award, procurement approval, or formal vote occurred. The commission indicated that further discussions and analysis would follow, including renewed collaboration conversations and pursuit of grants and other funding.