FGUA, What Do They Do
And Why Do We Pay?

By Meredith Miller
Community Services Supervisor FGUA
Special to the Gazette

If you’re a resident of Lehigh Acres, you are likely a water and/or sewer utility customer of the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA).  The FGUA was established in 1999 and is a special purpose governmental entity that  serves certain communities based upon an agreement with the “host” government (in this case Lee County) which has primary responsibility for the jurisdiction.  Although the FGUA is a not for profit government, many customers still feel frustrated over  rates when comparing their bills to neighboring cities or states and ask questions about why they pay what they do.  Below is an explanation of some commonly asked questions related to this utility:

WHO decides how much to charge?

The rates are established through a multi-step process.  First, the utility management and an independent rate analyst review the costs associated with operating the system to determine if there is enough money to operate and maintain the system and meet its loan requirements.  Then, after required public hearings, the Board of Directors (designated by member governments) approves or denies the staff rate recommendations.  Because the FGUA is not for profit, the rates are not raised unless absolutely required.  There is no incentive to raise rates beyond what is needed to operate the system and meet legal obligations to bond holders.  The system in Lehigh Acres needs different maintenance and improvements and may have different debt than other systems  which is why rates will vary between utilities.

WHY do I pay when I’m not even there?

As with most utilities, the FGUA rates have a flat monthly base charge per connection and a flow, or consumption charge, based upon how much water is used. The FGUA Board is conscious of establishing rates that are equitable and fair to each customer of the utility.  Since the rates are set to support the facilities that are  needed by the entire community, even when a home is empty, there is a general cost to maintain the utility system and be ready to support that home when a resident moves back in.  To ensure that all properties which benefit from the facilities available pay a fair share,  the FGUA Board implemented an “inactive account charge” in October of 2009. This helps reduce the cost burden on paying customers living in the community with active use.  This means that when a customer vacates the property, the legal owner is still responsible to pay a monthly fee, equal to the normal base charge.

I’ve heard the FGUA is filing liens against properties now – is this true?

Yes, in some cases, the FGUA is filing liens.  The Lehigh Acres area has seen a number of homes stand vacant due to the high number of foreclosures and bankruptcies.  Although an unpaid utility bill is essentially a lien, the FGUA has begun filing liens with the county officially to increase collectability of amounts owed to the utility, for the benefit of all other rate payers.  Many times these liens are being paid when the property changes hands in the event of a sale and often times the lien will be paid by the bank that assumed the home as a result of a foreclosure.

How can I find out more about where my money goes or what my specific rates are?

The FGUA website, www.fgua.com, provides information on rates, budgets,  financial reports and all other official records associated with the business of the utility.  In addition, Lehigh Acres has a Utility Advisory Committee which is made up of community members.  These individuals meet every other month with staff to discuss the utility system, current projects or issues, budgets and community outreach efforts.  These meetings are held the third Wednesday of even number months at 6:30pm at the Lehigh Acres customer service office and members of the public are welcome to attend.  The FGUA Board meetings are also open to the public and the meeting May 17th at 1pm will be held in Lehigh Acres at the Microtel Inn & Suites at 1320 Business Way, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.  For additional information or questions, please contact Donna Lizotte at dlizotte@govmserv.com or (239) 543-1005.