BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Starke reported that while natural gas price fluctuations continue to impact electricity rates statewide, the city is well-positioned to minimize the impact on residents.
At the July 1 city commission meeting, General Manager Drew Mullins explained that 85% of Starke’s power generation comes from natural gas, making rates vulnerable to market changes. Uncertainty in the global economy has driven up domestic prices, he said. However, the Florida Municipal Power Agency has implemented a rate stabilization program that has kept local rates relatively stable over the past two and a half years.
“So, we’re not nearly as exposed as what we have been in the past,” Mullins said, recalling times when customers’ bills spiked due to the instability of fuel prices.
The city is exploring additional measures, including creating its own internal rate stabilization fund to further protect residents from significant price increases, he said. City officials noted that compared to other utility providers like Florida Power and Light, Starke customers are experiencing more moderate rate adjustments.
Commissioner Scott Roberts emphasized that these price fluctuations are a statewide issue, and Starke is acting to minimize the impact on its citizens.
In other business:
—the commission set its September meetings on Sept. 9 and 25 to coincide with budget hearings beginning at 5:01 p.m.
—the governor signed the bill designating the railroad overpass as Heroes Memorial Bridge.
—Mullins said Suwannee River Water Management District would appear at a future meeting to discuss issues with the Edwards Bottomlands Project and fears that it could contribute to flooding in the city.
