GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The city council discussed a rate study for 2026, adjusted the project cost and lowered the semiannual loan payment to the City’s State Revolving Fund Loan Agreement and went over the electric, stormwater and solid waste departments on Tuesday.

The Special Session at City Hall was called to focus solely on utilities. The main topic for the session was the 2026 Rate Study for Water, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water, and included time for questions from the city council and the public about electric, stormwater and solid waste. These utility-focused meetings will be held quarterly and are a chance for the city council and the public to receive education on how the utilities operate and ask questions. 

The council learned it produced 445,868,791 gallons of water last year between five potable wells and used 43% of it for irrigation during the session.

According to Water Utilities Director Scott Schultz, the city plans to continue to harden water, sewer and reclaimed water system this year, while complying with SB-64, the “Surface Water Discharge Elimination Act.” 

It also will continue with the Reynolds Park Development Planning, deal with “forever chemicals” and declining capacity and water quality in the aquifer and continue to seek funding for facility expansion and minimizing the impact on customers. 

The council approved the study, 5-0. 

The council also approved the authorization of the mayor to revise the semiannual payment into the State Revolving Fund Loan Agreement by $1,013.74. 

The city borrowed $2,171,400 for the design of the Magnolia Point reclaimed water system. Once the project was completed, the city had a surplus of $1,013.74 that was sent back to the Fund. 

That authorization was also approved, 5-0. 

The council will conduct its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m., at City Hall.