Brevard County officials have proposed a 250% increase in water connection fees, according to a draft plan released last week. The change would affect new developments and residents connecting to the county's water system, with fees jumping from $1,200 to $4,200 per connection. The proposal comes as the county faces growing pressure to upgrade aging pipes and meet demand from expanding neighborhoods like Titusville and Palm Bay.
The county's Public Works Department cited a 2022 audit showing 35% of water mains are over 50 years old. Officials say the fees would fund replacements and expansions needed to serve an estimated 20,000 new residents by 2030. County Commissioner Randy Buechler said the increase is necessary to avoid "system failures during peak usage periods." The plan would also create a reserve fund for emergency repairs.
Local developers have expressed concern. Tim O'Leary, president of the Brevard Builders Association, called the proposal "shockingly high" and warned it could delay construction projects. However, the county has pointed to similar fee structures in neighboring counties like Seminole and Orange. A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for March 15 at the county administration building in Cocoa.
The fee increase would not apply to existing connections or low-income households, according to the draft plan. County staff estimated the change would generate $12 million annually for infrastructure projects. The proposal must still pass the county's governing board and undergo a 30-day public comment period before final approval. A final vote is expected in late April.