St. Pete Property Tax Being Considered to Pay for $614M in Stormwater, Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades

St. Pete property tax being considered to pay for $614M in stormwater, wastewater infrastructure upgrades

St. Pete city council members heard an option to pay for infrastructure projects that would help with flooding and other issues, but voters would decide if property owners should pay for it.

Property tax increase could fund St. Pete stormwater upgrades

St. Petersburg’s mayoral administration accelerated $614 million in stormwater improvement projects in the aftermath of a devastating hurricane season without a clear plan to pay for the projects. Utility revenues only cover typical operations, and many residents already struggle to afford recent rate hikes. Some officials believe a new property tax could help solve a complex conundrum. Voters, through a referendum in 2026, would ultimately deci…