The City of Winter Springs Responds to the Florida Auditor General’s Findings
The City of Winter Springs has formally responded to the Florida Auditor General’s findings from its recent operational audit. As your Commissioner, I believe it is my duty to not only highlight issues as they arise, but also to keep you informed as we work through them.
Today, I am sharing the City’s official written response, which outlines both corrective actions and commitments for the future.
Positive Developments
The audit follow-up confirms that the City has taken meaningful steps to correct certain past deficiencies:
- A new utility operator is in place as of October 1, 2025, replacing the firm responsible for prior violations.
- Procurement processes have been corrected. Vendor selection and contract awards are now aligned with policy.
- An anti-fraud policy has been adopted, improving safeguards for public funds.
- Public records compliance is high, with nearly all requests fulfilled on time.
Areas Requiring Continued Attention
Several significant issues remain:
- Public records fee documentation needs reinforcement. Internal policies are being revised to ensure consistent calculation and recordkeeping.
- Wastewater compliance is still in progress. The City acknowledges its wastewater facilities have exceeded their useful life. Although design and funding for replacement is underway, infrastructure risks persist.
- FDEP violations are unresolved. The East WRF remains under regulatory warning, and further response is anticipated.
- Utility contract oversight has improved under the new operator, but prior lapses contributed to environmental harm and financial penalties.
- Infrastructure sales surtax funds were misapplied. While corrections have been made, there was no public disclosure at the time, and procedures for oversight must improve.
Core Concern: Wastewater Infrastructure
The audit and the City’s own response make one thing clear: our wastewater system is outdated and vulnerable. While more than $100 million in funding has been secured, the timeline for construction, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection remains a critical focus area.
What’s Next
The City’s response marks progress—but not resolution. I will continue monitoring implementation of these corrective actions and will advocate for full accountability, transparency, and proper execution of infrastructure upgrades.
To revisit the original audit findings and analysis, read the initial report here:
Audit Update: What’s Really Going On at City Hall?
Winter Springs deserves efficient governance, clean water, and fiscal responsibility. We must keep asking the right questions—and demanding better.
—
Victoria K. Bruce
City Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs, Florida
