Cape Coral city council will pursue a “uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments” resolution during a public hearing that’s set for 5 p.m. on March 1 in council chambers.
If passed, the resolution would put in place a mechanism for setting up special assessment districts for capital improvements including water, wastewater, irrigation facilities, road maintenance and street lighting improvements, among others.
City spokeswoman Connie Barron said the resolution, if passed, doesn’t mean that new taxes are forthcoming, only that council has positioned themselves to implement taxes, if needed.
“You have a deadline to make known your intention of possibly collecting these fees through property tax bills,” she said. “If city council decided somewhere to create a special street lighting district, the tax collector knows.”
Barron said the potential taxing districts aren’t being considered at this point.
District 1 Councilmember Marty McClain said the intent is not to raise taxes but to diversify the city’s tax base, if needed.
He compared the intent to Kevin McGrail’s suggested fee to fix roads in the North Cape.
“It doesn’t restrict us,” he said. “It allows us to use various avenues in the event it’s needed.”
District 2 Councilmember Pete Brandt said previous city councils have implemented the same collection method, though have not been called on it to activate any of those special assessment districts.
“It’s kind of standard,” Brandt said. “It keeps our options open.”