West Melbourne council approves 10.5% water-rate increase to mirror Melbourne through 2026

The City of West Melbourne approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-23 on Oct. 21, 2025, to raise monthly potable water rates by 10.5% in order to pass through an increase the city pays to the city of Melbourne. The council vote was 7-0.

Mr. Rody, a city staff member presenting the ordinance at the meeting, said, “this evening is the second reading, for the water rate increase that will take effect November 1.” He described West Melbourne bills as two parts: a fixed cost covering the city’s system and a usage portion that is a pass-through of water purchased from Melbourne.

City staff told council that Melbourne is increasing its water rates “10.5% each year for the next 5 years,” and West Melbourne will mirror that increase for the next two years while the city completes its transition to its own water utility. Mr. Rody said the city’s own water plant is expected to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, after which West Melbourne would no longer need to pass along Melbourne’s year‑three through year‑five increases in the same way.

The ordinance text read aloud at second reading described the change as an amendment to Section 50‑8‑98A, monthly potable water rates, and included standard severability and codification language. Councilmember McGuire moved the ordinance; Councilmember Gaylord seconded. The roll call resulted in a 7-0 vote in favor.

City staff did not provide an itemized customer-rate schedule in the public record during the hearing; the action authorizes the rate change described in the ordinance language and sets the ordinance to take effect as written. Staff indicated future council meetings will discuss how bills will look once the city operates its own plant.