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 an Implementation Plan for a Special District to Fund Infrastructure for Activity Center 6 and 10.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Consensus to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to draft an Ordinance establishing a City-created Dependent Special District for Commission consideration in 2026.
Option 2: Consensus to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare a Resolution of Intent to use the Uniform Method of Collection under §197.3632, Florida Statutes, for implementation beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, for Commission consideration.
Option 3: Consensus to direct the City Manager to develop and advance a legislative concept, coordinating with the Florida Legislative Delegation and the City’s contracted lobbyist, for the 2027 Regular Session to create a State-authorized Independent Special District with merging language.
Option 4: Consensus to authorize the City Manager to develop the assessment methodology for the proposed districts.
Option 5: Consensus to authorize the City Manager to seek assistance from Sarasota, DeSoto, and Charlotte Counties on legislative action to create the Independent Special District, including support related to the future Yorkshire/Raintree Interchange on Interstate 75.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Consensus for the City Manager and the City Attorney to prepare an Ordinance establishing a City-created Dependent Special District in 2026 for Commission consideration.
• Pros: Staff would move forward with the City-created Dependent Special District and a path forward that would be utilized to fund infrastructure and capital projects required to activate Activity Centers 6 & 10 and support the creation of the Yorkshire/Raintree interchange.
• Cons: Borrowing authority mirrors the City’s Charter limitations, constraining financing flexibility.
Option 2: Consensus to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare a Resolution of Intent to use the Uniform Method of Collection under §197.3632, Florida Statutes, for implementation beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, for Commission consideration.
• Pros: Enables placement of assessments on the tax bill, improving collection reliability and reducing delinquencies. Compatible with both dependent and Independent District models, preserving flexibility.
• Cons: Compatible with both Dependent and Independent District models, preserving flexibility. Does not establish the district or methodology, other City Commissions actions are still required.
Option 3: Consensus to direct the City Manager to develop and advance a legislative concept, coordinating with the Florida Legislative Delegation and the City’s contracted lobbyist, for the 2027 Regular Session to create a State-authorized Independent Special District with merging language.
• Pros: Provides clearer borrowing authority and long-term financing flexibility once enacted. “Merging”/conversion language would streamline transition from the Dependent District with minimal disruption.
• Cons: Outcome and timing depend on legislative approval.
Option 4: Consensus to authorize the City Manager to develop the assessment methodology for the proposed districts.
• Pros: Establishes the technical foundation necessary for Fiscal Year 2027 collections. It can be structured to remain valid through a later transition to an independent district created by the State Legislature.
• Cons: Requires data development, legal review, and targeted outreach; near-term staff/consultant workload. Updates may be needed if legislative timing or project phasing changes.
Option 5: Consensus to authorize the City Manager to seek assistance from Sarasota, DeSoto, and Charlotte Counties on legislative action to create the Independent Special District, including support related to the future Yorkshire/Raintree Interchange on Interstate 75.
• Pros: Builds regional alignment and support ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session, improving bill viability. Positions Activity Center 6 & 10 needs within a broader transportation/economic development narrative.
• Cons: Nonbinding at this stage; partner priorities may shift or remain tentative.
Option 6: Consensus to not move forward with the Special District Implementation Plan.
• Pros: Avoids near-term administrative setup, legal drafting, and consultant costs.
• Cons: Removes a dedicated, reliable funding mechanism for Activity Centers 6 & 10 infrastructure and Yorkshire/Raintree interchange-supporting projects, slowing activation and development in this part of the City. Increase dependence on competitive or uncertain funding sources, which can delay timelines and reduce project scope.
Background Information
During the City Commission Budget Workshop on July 23, 2025, the Commission made the following consensus:
“Bring back, before the end of the calendar year, a proposed path forward, including key milestones and timelines for establishing a Special District in East North Port to fund infrastructure improvements supporting commercial and industrial development.”
City Staff have worked internally, with the City Attorney’s Office, and outside counsel to perform the following tasks:
Ø To receive information on the steps required to establish a Special District.
Ø Identified differences between Dependent and Independent Districts.
Ø Identified differences between state-created and City-created Districts.
Ø Created a proposed path forward.
Staff requests City Commission direction regarding this matter.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Economic Development & Growth Management
Infrastructure & Facilities Integrity
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Presentation
2. Memorandum
Prepared by: Jason Yarborough, ICMA-CM, Deputy City Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager