Cortes says the request puts an undue burden on West Seminole residents
State Representative Bob Cortes today made the following statement regarding the Public Service Commission’s unanimous approval of Utilities Inc.’s request to nearly double water and wastewater rates for Seminole County residents:
“This decision, which doubles rates for West Seminole residents, demonstrates that the Public Service Commission is not standing on the side of consumers. Without a compelling case from Utilities Inc. and despite a public hearing where citizens expressed their concerns, the PSC moved ahead with a decision that would clearly impose an unfair burden, especially for seniors on fixed incomes. In the Legislature, we have repeatedly worked to do just the opposite, as we have passed numerous measures to reduce taxes and fees, including the property tax exemption passed just this year. Floridians should expect better from public servants like the Public Service Commissioners, and I hope they will do better going forward.”