GRU Requests Gainesville City Commission Abandon Special Election Referendum

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) has urged the Gainesville City Commission to abandon plans for a special election referendum regarding the utility's governance, citing ongoing legal appeals and constitutional concerns. The referendum, which would ask voters whether control of GRU should return to the City Commission or remain with an authority board appointed by the Governor, follows a 2024 vote where nearly 73% favored city control, but was nullified by a judge due to misleading language. GRU attorney Derek Perry argues that proceeding with the referendum would be arbitrary, violate the Florida Constitution, and waste taxpayer money, as any new ordinance would likely face legal challenges resulting in the same impasse. Despite this, the City Commission voted in favor of scheduling the special election in November 2025, although the appeals process is expected to take nine months to a year. Judge George Wright ruled that the city does have the power to amend its charter to regain control of GRU, but emphasized the need for clear ballot language. GRU's letter requests the commission to prioritize reasonableness and await the court's decision rather than re-engage in a potentially costly and repetitive legal and electoral process.