City Council-Utility Advisory Board Joint Meeting and Regular City Council Meeting 7/8/2026

The City of Punta Gorda held a joint meeting between the City Council and the Utility Advisory Board on July 8, 2026, focusing primarily on the utilities capital improvement program (CIP) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and the fiscal year 2027 utilities operating budget. The discussion covered various ongoing and planned water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including water main renewals, sewer improvements, and treatment plant upgrades. Funding sources such as state revolving fund (SRF) loans, grants, and bank financing were detailed, with emphasis on debt service requirements and reserve policies. The council reviewed budget assumptions including personnel costs, insurance, and impact fee revenues, and discussed a proposed 12% rate increase for fiscal year 2027 to support these initiatives. The meeting also addressed operational staffing changes and the need for continued grant pursuit and alternative financing strategies. Consensus was reached to proceed with the recommended rate increase, with formal resolutions to be presented in September. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, but the discussion indicated general agreement on budget and capital plans.