Margate’s two water treatment facilities provide service for 17,000 residents. {Google}
Margate residents voted to approve a $120 million water and wastewater bond on the November 5 ballot.
According to the Broward Election website, 17,820 residents, or 76.6 percent, voted in favor of the bonds, and 5,453 residents, or 23.4 percent, voted against the bonds.
City officials have identified critical capital needs totaling approximately $224.3 million over the next ten years to address upgrades to its aging water and wastewater utility system.
According to the city, Margate will borrow $120 million through revenue bonds and take $104.3 million from annual budgets.
The city will divide the bond into three issuances: In 2025, the government will issue a $60 million bond for water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades and line replacements. In 2027, it will issue a $30 million bond for projects needed to address new EPA regulations related to drinking water and biosolids management in wastewater.
According to the city, in 2031, Margate will issue a $30 million bond to fund anticipated regulatory requirements from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Florida Legislature and the completion of previous projects.
Margate provides water service to over 17,000 homes and 1,970 businesses. According to the city, the current demand is 6.5 million gallons per day, and 10.1 million gallons per day is permitted.
Commissioner Anthony Caggiano was happy voters approved the bond. “We have to upgrade our wastewater system,” he said.
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