{
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        {
            "id": "p68.1",
            "order": 1,
            "type": "text",
            "bbox": {
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            "text": "expenses and capital investments, and make informed financial decisions."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.2",
            "order": 2,
            "type": "text",
            "bbox": {
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            "text": "Creditworthiness: Maintaining stable and self-sustaining water and wastewater utilities enhances the City's creditworthiness. This can lead to lower borrowing costs for infrastructure projects and reflects positively on the City's financial management practices."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.3",
            "order": 3,
            "type": "text",
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            "text": "Customer Satisfaction: Fair and reasonable rates contribute to customer satisfaction. When customers see that their bills reflect the true cost of service delivery and necessary improvements, they are more likely to have confidence in the City's management of these essential utilities."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.4",
            "order": 4,
            "type": "text",
            "bbox": {
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            "text": "Long-Term Planning: A rate study provides a foundation for long-term financial planning. It enables the City to assess the impact of rate adjustments on future budgets, allowing for proactive financial management and strategic decision-making."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.5",
            "order": 5,
            "type": "text",
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            "text": "3. Stormwater Rate Study: The water and sewer rate study also included evaluating rates for the stormwater utility. The rates remained unchanged for over a decade. The utility was unsustainable at the old rates. A rate increase was needed for the City to meet its annual revenue requirements, support the Capital Improvements Plan projects, and align with national utility rates and local Lake County rates. In April 2026, the City Commission approved Resolution 2026-36 to increase Stormwater Utility Fees. The residential stormwater utility rate increased to $8.00 per month (from $6 per month), while the commercial rate increased to $16.00 per month (from $12.00 per month). The planning for an increase aligns with the Competent and Effective Government Priority, specifically Goal #3 Strategic Priority 1 of the City's Strategic Plan - Maintain the Financial Viability of the City."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.6",
            "order": 6,
            "type": "text",
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            "text": "A stormwater rate study can yield numerous benefits for the City, its residents, and the environment:"
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.7",
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            "type": "text",
            "bbox": {
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            "text": "Funding for Stormwater Management: A rate study ensures that the City has a dedicated and sustainable source of funding for stormwater management. This funding is crucial for maintaining and improving stormwater infrastructure, such as drainage systems, culverts, and retention ponds."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.8",
            "order": 8,
            "type": "text",
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            "text": "Flood Prevention: A properly managed stormwater system helps prevent flooding in residential and commercial areas. By investing in stormwater infrastructure through adequate rates, the City can reduce the risk of property damage and enhance public safety during heavy rainfall events."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.9",
            "order": 9,
            "type": "text",
            "bbox": {
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            "text": "Water Quality Improvement: Stormwater carries pollutants from streets, parking lots, and other surfaces into natural water bodies. Adequate funding allows the City to implement stormwater management practices that improve water quality by reducing pollutants, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.10",
            "order": 10,
            "type": "text",
            "bbox": {
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            "text": "Erosion Control: Stormwater rate revenue can be used to implement erosion control measures along water bodies and construction sites. This helps prevent soil erosion, sedimentation, and the degradation of water bodies and natural habitats."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.11",
            "order": 11,
            "type": "text",
            "bbox": {
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            "text": "Public Health and Safety: Effective stormwater management contributes to public health by minimizing waterborne diseases and preventing accidents associated with flooding. A well-maintained stormwater system also reduces the risk of waterborne illnesses."
        },
        {
            "id": "p68.12",
            "order": 12,
            "type": "footer",
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            "text": "57",
            "attrs": {
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    ],
    "excluded_furniture": {
        "first": [],
        "last": []
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