Polk and Pasco Counties utility rates increasing [Video]

BARTOW, Fla. — Residents in Polk and Pasco Counties will see a larger utility bill beginning in October due to increasing rates.

In Polk County, the rate will increase by 6% and increase by the same percent every year through 2028, according to a county news release. The surcharge on water usage is meant to supplement the alternative water supply projects and will increase by 25 cents per 1,000 gallons every year until 2028. A similar surcharge will be added to reclaimed water usage, according to county officials.

“These rate increases are necessary to allow Polk County to continue providing safe and reliable utility service for our customers and our future,” Tamara Richardson, Polk County’s utilities director, said in a news release. “The county has been able to avoid rate increases …