JEA considering another water rate increase

"JEA officials say they’re trying to fight off the need for a water rate increase, although a decrease in demand has cramped cash-flow for the city-owned utility."

"Chief Financial Officer Paul McElroy told his board of directors on Tuesday that revenue could fall $9 million short of expectations this fiscal year. "

"CEO Jim Dickenson said he’s fighting against raising water rates. JEA hiked them 4.1 percent in October — money needed to cover a projected $10.6 million shortfall amid growing debt — as customers grumbled about more sizeable increases in their JEA electricity bills."

"In the first months of the fiscal year, which started in October, customer demand for water has been down about 8 percent. On top of that, the utility expects no significant growth after years of 3 percent to 5 percent system expansions. "