Winter Springs voters will choose a mayor and fill two City Commission seats on Nov. 3, and at a Sept. 17 candidate forum much of the discussion centered on residents' water bills.
Who is on the ballot
Six candidates qualified for three contested seats, according to the city clerk's notice:
- Mayor: Kevin McCann, the incumbent, and Jesse Phillips
- District 2: Commissioner Victoria Bruce and Ken Spalthoff
- District 4: Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Cade Resnick and Kyle Stewart
All three seats carry four-year terms.
Water rates
The Tuscawilla Homeowners Association hosted the forum Sept. 17 at the Tuscawilla Country Club clubhouse, and Oviedo Community News reported on it. The city is partway through a water system overhaul of more than $150 million, mainly replacing two aging wastewater treatment plants, after its system was found in violation of state and federal water quality standards in 2017.
Phillips said residents need relief. "We've got to get our utility bills under control," he said, warning that more increases are coming if nothing changes.
McCann defended the spending. He said the city is making progress but acknowledged it "is going to be painful," adding, "We can't leave it for the next generation."
