Palm Coast Utility Sale Hurdles Approved as Pontieri Cites Privatization Fears and Mayor Calls It 'Virtue Signaling'

Palm Coast Utility Sale Hurdles Approved as Pontieri Cites Privatization Fears and Mayor Calls It 'Virtue Signaling'

Prompted by Council member Theresa Pontieri’s concerns over rising corporate utility privatization, the Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on first reading requiring a supermajority vote and a public referendum before the city’s water and sewer utility can be sold. While Mayor Mike Norris questioned the measure’s permanence, the ordinance aims to safeguard the $400 million asset from potential acquisition by private equity…