The City of North Port, Florida's second fastest growing city in the United States, faces significant challenges from rapid urbanization, population growth, and ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian's devastating impact in 2022. This Florida TaxWatch report examines the implications of the May 13, 2025 special election referendum, which asks voters to decide on several critical municipal issues.
After a failed November 2024 referendum that would have allowed the City Commission to issue debt for emergency response and public safety projects, the Commission has returned to voters with separate items for individual consideration. The referendum includes five questions: authorizing debt issuance for emergency response without voter approval; removing residency requirements for City Clerk and Attorney positions; issuing up to $115 million in bonds for a new police headquarters facility; authorizing $14 million in bonds for a solid waste transfer station; and approving $17 million in bonds for wastewater treatment facility improvements.
The report analyzes each referendum question in detail, exploring the financial implications, arguments from supporters and opponents, and potential consequences of approval or rejection. It emphasizes that North Port's aging infrastructure, combined with its explosive growth and susceptibility to severe weather events, creates unique challenges for municipal governance and infrastructure financing. Florida TaxWatch offers this independent analysis to help voters make informed decisions about the City's proposed capital facilities and emergency response capabilities.
This voter's guide provides crucial context about North Port's current situation, including its recovery from Hurricane Ian, the City's debt management policies, and the potential impact of these votes on property taxes and utility fees. As one of Florida's fastest-growing communities, North Port faces critical decisions about how to fund infrastructure needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.