Information on who is a “Town” resident and who is not (Please scroll to bottom for all attachments):
Please note that the following only impacts those people that live or own property in the "Town of Fort White". Having a Fort White address, or a Fort White zip code, does not mean that you in live in the incorporated "Town of Fort White" town limits. Actually, the majority of people who have a Fort White address, fall under unincorporated Columbia County lands, to include all of Three Rivers Estates.
Please see the small yellow square on the bottom left of this Columbia County map to see what the specific town limits are of the Township of Fort White, as opposed to the unincorporated county lands, which are also called Fort White. The Fort White Town Council, is only voted for and therefore only represents, those voting residents within the boundaries of the Town limits. If you do not live in the yellow square on the bottom left-hand side of this map, you are represented by your County Commissioner and not the Fort White Town Council.
https://www.columbiacountyfla.com/Downloads/CCDIST.pdf - If you have issues with the link please see "Attachment 3 - Map of Town of Fort White Town limits".
Information on Fort White water plant being officially compliant with water safety requirements:
The Fort White water plant's disinfection byproduct tests have passed the safety requirements for a full year now and are in compliance.
Per the letter (labeled "Attachment 1 - DEP Letter", see verbiage on page 3) from DEP:
"What is being done? Please note, this is the Annual Average for Quarter 1 2024 to Quarter 1 2025, and not a failed quarterly sample from 2025. In June 2024, County Staff moved to a chloramine disinfection system. Since this change to chloramine disinfection, single sample (quarterly) results for all subsequent monitoring periods - September 2024, December 2024, March 2025, and June 2025 - have been below the HAA5 and TTHM MCLs. The Town of Fort White is considered to have returned to compliance with all DBP requirements as of Quarter 2 of 2025."
Summary of the "Fort White Town Council Workshop" held on July 31, 2025 and general sewage information:
Please see the attached "Attachment 2 - Utilities Overview" document for some of the information/figures below.
Some of the main questions raised about the wastewater treatment facility to be built in the town were:
1. Cost to the customers and
2. Financial feasibility of the Town managing the plant
Some of the highlights discussed regarding the first question are:
a. Across the State of Florida, typically the cost of wastewater billed to customers is approximately double what the water bill is. For example, if you have a current water bill of $30 a month, you can expect to pay approximately $60 for wastewater, on average. This is a ballpark figure that is realistic throughout the state.
b. The Town Council is ultimately responsible for setting the specific rate structure.
Some of the highlights discussed regarding the second question are:
a. If the Town were to take back over the Fort White water system and keep the revenues and associated expenses based on projected figures (which are in turn based on current 'actual' figures), the Town would be in a net positive income position, even accounting for the operational/maintenance costs of the wastewater treatment facility. Please see "Attachment 2 - Utilities Overview" document for the breakdown.
b. While the Town would likely initially be in a net positive position, the long-term concern is where the money will come from once big ticket/expensive items need to be replaced at the sewage facility. There are potential solutions to this issue, and the residents are encouraged to formulate their own opinions on potential solutions/risks
(It should also be noted that the Town Council can choose to take over the water plant and not the sewage plant, or combination thereof.)
b.1. Since the Town would be receiving a new treatment facility, big ticket expenses likely would not arise until approximately seven or so years after operations begin. During this seven-year time period, accrual of excess revenues could likely amount to a reserve increase of multiple $100,000's. Alternatively, if something unlikely and unforeseen happens during this 7-year period the Town could accrue much less capital. Funds that currently could be used for utility purposes, in the Town's Enterprise account are approximately at $150,000, this amount is available day 1/immediately.
b.2. The Town Council could be proactive in applying for grants to expand the sewage system and increase the number of residents and commercial businesses hooked up to the system, which would substantially increase revenues (even relative to expenses) and likely increase our reserves even more. There is potential risk if this does not happen.
b.3. Grants, legislative appropriations, and potentially forgivable loans can be applied for pro-actively and used to replace utility infrastructure potentially easing the burden on the Town's reserves. Here again, there is potential risk if this does not happen.
b.4. Even if after a number of years, the Town comes to the realization that it cannot manage the water or sewage plant/system, there still exist options. The Town could enter an interlocal agreement with some Florida utility authority or potentially even a neighboring municipality.
(A potential benefit of the Town taking back over the Fort White Water Plant, aside from the excess annual revenues, is being able to try to increase the clarity and look of the water the Town residents are receiving. Currently, the carbon filter at the Fort White water plant which assists in the removal of tannins (what gives the water its color), has been overdue for replacement for at least two years.)
For questions on anything related to the above please reach out to the Mayor or your Councilmember. See their contact information here: https://www.fortwhitefl.com/towncouncil.