Mayor Buddy Dyer and other local leaders are fighting back against a bill they say would cost taxpayers millions.
The bill, SB 896, would shift the cost of moving private utility lines or cables that are located on public property from those private companies to the public.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer traveled to Tallahassee Tuesday to voice his concerns to lawmakers over the bill.
“In the past the private company that’s using it for free had to move that line. And now they want to transfer that to the taxpayer,” said Mayor Dyer.
Dyer said if passed it could cost the city millions of dollars and prevent them from being able to do certain projects. Meanwhile he believes the utility companies would be profiting off it.
“I highly doubt that we are going to get a rate cut if this piece of legislation passes. It will just increase profits of the private company at the direct expense of our taxpayers,” said Dyer.
The bill’s sponsor, State Senator Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, disagrees. He said it will only apply to projects that don’t have to do with road maintenance or expansion.
“It’s my belief that if the municipality requires them to move out of that lawfully-acquired public utility easement, that that municipality should have to pay for their relocation,” said Senator Brandes.
Telecommunication companies are leading the charge for the bill after a judge in Lee County forced Verizon to cover the costs of moving a waterline because of a city landscaping project. It was the lawsuit that Brandes said prompted his involvement in the bill.
The bill has already passed committee and State Senator Brandes expects it to pass.
Municipalities across the state watching the bill closely and many, like Mayor Dyer, hope the legislature thinks twice.
“It’s a big grab,” said Dyer. “I hope the legislature will come to their senses on this one and do what’s right for not just local government, but for taxpayers.”