TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding Funding Options to Respond to Declared Emergencies or Disasters.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible direction regarding funding options to respond to declared emergencies or disasters.
Background Information
Ordinance 2024-48 was approved on second reading on January 28, 2025, which allowed the following referendum question to be placed on the May 13, 2025, North Port Special Election:
“Florida local governments may issue certain debt for various governmental purposes. The City Charter requires voter approval before the City issues any debt. Should the Charter be amended, allowing the City to issue debt payable from funds other than property taxes without voter approval to respond to a declared emergency or disaster? “
The referendum question was not successful; therefore, the requested Charter amendment will not be completed. The City of North Port is the only City out of 411 cities in the State of Florida whose Charter prohibits the borrowing of money or incurring any debt without voter approval. Therefore, if funding is needed to address damage or complete repairs following a disaster, the City will need to prepare a voter referendum and obtain approval from a majority of the City of North Port’s voters. This process will delay the City from addressing emergencies when they happen and may lead to higher project costs and longer downtime for repairs or replacement of infrastructure.
Staff continues to seek alternative options for funding response to declared emergencies or disasters. In addition to evaluation of mileage rates to supply needed revenues, funding options for consideration are outlined in the attached memo and include:
• Certificates of Participation (COPS)
• Public Private Partnerships (P3)
• State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loans
• Bank Loans and Lines of Credit
• Increasing Fund Balance Reserves
• Pay-As-You-Go (Pay-Go) Financing
Strategic Plan
Good Governance.
Disaster Response and Recovery Management.
Financial Impact
To be determined.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance 2024-48
2. Funding Options Failed Referendum Memo
Prepared by: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager