For the second time in as many years, Gainesville voters delivered a clear verdict on who they believe should control their utility.

With all precincts reporting and more than 75% in favor, voters overwhelmingly approved a charter amendment to return oversight of Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) to the elected City Commission.

The result mirrors — and surpasses — the 73% “yes” vote recorded in 2024 before a Judge invalidated that election on procedural grounds, forcing Tuesday’s do-over. Far from muddled, the outcome shows Gainesville residents know precisely what they want: local control over their century-old utility.

The measure challenges a 2023 state law that stripped City Hall of its authority and placed GRU under a Governor-appointed Board created through legislation spon

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