Board approves Lake Grove water assessments for 64 properties; construction slated for August 2026

Martin County commissioners unanimously approved a Lake Grove Water Municipal Service Benefit Unit assessment on June 9, accepting the Utilities Department’s recommendation to extend potable water to 64 parcels that currently lack public water.

David Duncan, senior project manager for Utilities, said the total project cost is $740,900; Martin County Utilities will contribute $110,000, leaving an assessable amount of $630,900. That sum divided among 64 equivalent residential connections yields an estimated prepayment of $9,857.81 per connection. Property owners who opt to finance the assessment would pay an estimated $964.86 per year (advertised example) for 15 years at 3.9% interest, plus fees. Construction is planned to begin in August 2026 with substantial completion expected in December 2026.

Duncan noted the department had received the relevant Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit and that the assessment balloting had been strongly in favor of the project in prior outreach. The board moved and unanimously approved the final assessment resolution and construction timeline.

Next steps: Pending documentation and any appeals, staff anticipates starting construction in August 2026; property owners who prepay will have until August 1, 2027 to submit prepayment or otherwise finance and begin annual installments on tax rolls in November 2027 if unpaid.