Panama City Beach approves water rate increases over four years
Council votes to implement 5% annual increases to offset rising costs
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Panama City Beach City Council approved water rate increases that will be implemented over the next four years.
The plan calls for a 5% increase compounded each year over four years. The new rates will apply to both water and sewer services.
Officials said they worked to keep the increase as low as possible to offset rising maintenance and operating costs.
Mark Schaeffer, utility director for Panama City Beach, said a typical family using 6,000 gallons per month currently pays $61.71. Under the new rates, that bill would increase to $65.55, representing about a 6% increase of $3.88 per month.
City officials said even with the higher rates, Panama City Beach utilities will still cost less than many surrounding communities.
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