Atlantic Beach proposing water and sewer rate increase

Atlantic Beach is proposing an increase in water and sewer rates for the first time since 2020, according to the city’s manager.An ordinance establishing the proposed rate structure is scheduled for a first reading during the City Commission meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9.The proposal comes as Atlantic Beach residents, who receive electricity from JEA, saw their electric bills increase earlier this month, the second rate hike by the public utility in a year-and-a-half.Why the city says rates need to changeIn response to questions about why the proposal is being submitted, the city manager, Kevin Hogencamp, cited four main factors: rising operating costs, infrastructure investments, regulatory requirements and the long-term financial health of the utility funds.Hogencamp said rates have remained unchanged since 2020 while expenses for water and wastewater treatment—including chemicals, equipment, electricity