June 13, 2023
Ref: Southwest Service Area Utility System Improvements
June 2023 Project Notice

Dear Customer,

A Notice to Proceed was issued to Hinterland Group, Inc. on March 29, 2022. Presently, final completion is scheduled for May 12, 2025. Service is anticipated to be ready by this date. This project will provide wastewater services to residents within the Southwest Service Area. Work has already begun in some of the project area.

As provided for in the Okeechobee County Land Development Regulations, Development Design and Improvement Standards, “7.06.07A(2), connections to a public water supply or public wastewater collection system shall be required when a publicly owned system becomes available”. The State of Florida also recognizes the benefit of removal of septic tank systems per 381.00655 Florida Statutes: “owners of onsite sewerage treatment and disposal system must connect to publicly owned utility system.” The project under construction is a publicly owned system (Okeechobee Utility Authority).

Per 381.00655 FS, several payment options are available to the property owner.
1)Pay the total due at current rates at any time after construction begins; or

2)Pay in monthly installments (over two years) after construction begins. Payments made by this method may incur monthly interest charges on the unpaid balance. Total fees due will be based upon the rates in effect at the time a payment plan is established.

Per OUA policy, the property owner may elect to utilize an OUA payment plan as detailed in Section 8, Resolution 22-05 adopted by the OUA Board on August 18, 2022. In general, the payment plan is described by: Term (either 5 year or 10 year), interest rate (either 1.0% or 1.5% dependent on Term), minimum 25% down and a minimum monthly payment of $40.00 per month. The property owner may choose the plan that best fits the needs of the property owner. In either case, connections are required to be made within 365 calendar days after notification that the publicly owned system is ready and available for connection.

When selecting the payment method, the property owner will also sign a service agreement* and provide payment of a deposit (if required) for service. If the property is a rental property, then the owner may also elect to have the tenant sign up for an account.

The OUA has scheduled a “Town Hall” meeting on June 27th , 7:00PM at The Gathering, located at 1735 SW 24th Avenue. Project information, maps, OUA personnel and engineering representatives will be present to answer your project questions.

If you should have any questions or comments, please call the office and request to speak to either Michelle Willoughby (X-118), Kristy Arnold (X-117) or John Hayford (X-109) to discuss this matter. The office telephone number is 863-763-9460.

Sincerely,
John F. Hayford
Okeechobee Utility Authority

Wastewater Fees Due
$ 574.00 Connection to Service Line – Vacuum Pit
$ 838.00 Wastewater Capital Connection Charge
$1,412.00 TOTAL

A deposit may be required depending owner, renter or payment method.

2 Year Payment Plan (24 Months)
$1,412.00 Amount Due
$ 353.00 Down Payment (25%)
$1,059.00 Amount Financed
1.00% Interest Rate
$ 44.75 Monthly Payment

*If you do not have an active account with the OUA for water, please contact this office establish services.