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 for the Effluent Pumping Station & Pipeline Project.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible direction regarding funding options for the Effluent Pumping Station & Pipeline Project.
Background Information
During the City Commission Workshop on January 6, 2025, staff provided a presentation outlining the infrastructure projects deemed essential for growth, health, welfare and the financial stability for the City Commission's consideration including an Effluent Pumping Station & Pipeline (CIP U23EPS) with the following specifics:
1. Estimated cost: $16M
a. Funding identified: $1M
b. Funding gap: $15M
2. Current demand is reaching effluent capacity.
3. This pumping station and pipeline are needed to support future development.
4. During wet weather events such as hurricanes and tropical storms, the pipeline does not meet current treatment flow needs. This is bringing additional regulatory scrutiny from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for unauthorized, treated sewage spills.
On February 11, 2025, the City Commission approved Ordinance No. 2025-05 which outlined a proposed referendum question for the May 13, 2025, Special Election:
"To finance capital improvements to the City's wastewater treatment facility located on Pan American Boulevard, shall the City of North Port be authorized to issue bonds in one or more series in a total aggregate principal amount not to exceed $17,000,000, maturing no later than 30 years from issuance, bearing interest at no more than the maximum lawful rate and payable from the revenues of the City's water and sewer utility system?"
The referendum question was not successful; therefore, the City will not be able to issue debt to finance the required improvements to the Effluent Pumping Station and Pipeline.
This project is...
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