Residents in an unincorporated Palm Beach County neighborhood are grappling with unexpected retroactive sewer bills from the city of Delray Beach, with some bills exceeding $4,000. Homeowners along Franwood Drive received notices demanding payment for years of unpaid sewer fees following a city audit completed in April 2026. The bills cover up to three years of charges at $90 per month, plus new monthly sewer fees going forward. Candace Etzler received a notice for $3,139, while her neighbor Ruth Stephens faces a bill totaling $4,494.92. At least a dozen homeowners in the area received similar notices.
The root of the issue traces back to 1998, when development in the area disrupted the residents' septic systems. State law required them to connect to the nearest municipal sewer system as a result. However, residents say they attempted to pay for sewer service in the past but were told they did not need to do so. The city's recent audit triggered the retroactive billing, catching residents off guard. "We were in total shock because it feels like we're being punished," Stephens said. Etzler added her frustration about the calculation method, saying "How can you have this random number of 36 months and at the price of $90 a month."
City Commissioner Juli Casale defended the billing decision in a statement, explaining that the city must determine costs incurred and recover applicable fees from those receiving service. "This is about ensuring that public utility costs are paid by those receiving the service rather than being shifted to the taxpayers," Casale said. Despite this rationale, residents question both how the back charges were calculated and the fairness of being billed retroactively without warning. Some homeowners have already paid the fees or enrolled in payment plans out of fear their service could be disconnected.
County Commissioner Marci Woodward has begun investigating the matter, stating she is working with the county attorney to examine the legality of the retroactive charges and the ongoing monthly payments. Residents acknowledge they understand the need to pay monthly sewer fees but argue the thousands in back charges are unreasonable given the circumstances. The situation reflects growing tension between municipal cost recovery and resident concerns about fairness and transparency in utility billing practices.