The Usina family started the business in the 1970s. The co-owners say now is a “good time” to close the deal.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — People in Vilano Beach and North Beach may be sending their water bills elsewhere.
St. Johns County has agreed to buy North Beach Utilities for $6 million. According to the prefecture, there are about 1,400 customers.
This means the county will provide water and manage stormwater and wastewater. The county says the rates will remain the same for now, but could go down later.
St. Johns County has agreed to buy North Beach Utilities for $6 million.
The long-time owners, the Usina family, started the private business in the 1970s, when people on the southern tip of the island relied on their own wells and septic tanks.
Max Usina is co-owner of North Beach Utility.he said first coast news His family created this utility because they saw a need for it.
For 50 years, his family's utility has provided drinking water and sewer services to homes and businesses in small beach communities.
This week, Usinas County and St. Johns County signed a deal to sell the power company.
Neal Sikre, the county's public works director, told county commissioners Tuesday that public facility improvements will cost $4 million immediately and about $2 million more after that.
He said recent studies showed utilities were in “fair to good shape.”
As for what consumers will pay, Sinkle said Tuesday St. Johns County has something North Beach Utilities doesn't: a conservation rate. This basically means the more you consume, the more you pay.
He explained that with St. Johns County in charge, 60% of transitioning North Beach utility customers who use 6,000 gallons or less will receive rate reductions. With the remaining 40% of him using more water, usage will increase.
Max Usina said first coast news: “We had always planned to sell the utility to the county. When the opportunity presented itself, we decided it was a good time.”
Vivian Browning, a Vilano resident and business leader since the 1980s, is grateful for what the Usinas have done over the years. She also believes $6 million is “a good deal” for the county, noting it's about the cost of two waterfront homes in the area.
“I support this purchase,” she said.
The contract between St. Johns County and North Beach Utilities is expected to be finalized in late August or early September.
