Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Lauderdale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in water utilities
Clearwell tank rehabilitation
The state is ordering the city to repair its water plant storage tanks — with fines of at least $1,000 a day if it doesn't. The city had hoped to tear down the tanks instead, but the order leaves no choice.
New Water Plant and PFAS Rate Increases
Federal PFAS rules are forcing a $100 million water plant by 2031, and current rates can't even cover operations. Preliminary options mean three to six percent annual hikes that would take a typical $79.55 bill to $108-$119.
Utopi water meter rate adjustment deferred to December
The contested water meter rate adjustment won't be decided Tuesday. The commission wants two town hall meetings first — one tonight, one Thursday — so the item is headed for a deferral to December 8.
FEMA-related utilities protection authorization
A Florida Department [of Environmental Protection]-issued order tied to federal file number 25-2242 authorizes the city on utilities work, with possible federal appropriations discussed as a way to help pay for utility repairs.
Privatizing utility billing and customer service
The city is picking a contractor to run meter reading, billing, collections, and customer service — functions that affect how residents get and question their water bills. Inframark, Inc. was ranked highest by the evaluation committee.
Medicaid MCO Ambulance Transport Supplemental Payment
A consent item would let the City Manager sign the state's Public Emergency Medical Transportation agreement, allowing the fire rescue agency to receive Medicaid supplemental payments for ambulance transports, with remittance capped at $260,797.48.
Drainage Flooding in Broadview and Patron Village
Commissioners described residents with water in their homes, ruined carpets, and blocked drains in Broadview and areas near 50th Avenue. They called for a citywide flood assessment and site visits to the hardest-hit areas.
Garbage pickup monitoring
Following up on resident complaints about missed trash pickups, the Commission discussed better ways to monitor garbage collection service, with cost being a factor.
Water treatment plant operations contract
The city is choosing a firm to manage and operate its water treatment plant — the operation that keeps tap water safe and flowing. Inframark, Inc. topped the evaluation committee's rankings.
FY2027 Water Management System Assessment Rate
The district board was scheduled to set a preliminary $200-per-unit assessment for the water management system, which funds drainage and flood control across the district. A public hearing would follow before the rate is final.
Stormwater assessment rising from $140 to $200
Stormwater fees would go up $75 to $200 per ERU to fund drainage projects — but even with the increase, the fund still needs about $1 million from reserves to cover planned expenses.
Canal restoration and water meter replacement progress
Canal restoration progress is now trackable on the city website, and the water meter replacement project is nearly done with only 49 meters left to install.
Water Control District leadership transition
Longtime District Administrator Sam May retired, and the board was asked to seat Interim Public Works Director Neil Buckeridge in the vacant seat. This affects who manages the District's water control operations going forward.