Concerns
Would livestock, horses, goats, and chickens still be allowed?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023This topic was brought to the attention of the charter committee for consideration. Local property owners on acreages and smaller property owners with hobby livestock wanted to ensure that they could continue raising chickens for eggs or keeping small farm livestock or as pets. Like many communities, Perdido holds a diverse mix of property –...
Would becoming a town impact eligibility for social services?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023Social services are an essential part of local government, including child protective services, elder care services, nonprofit eligibility, and homeless shelters. Such services would remain the responsibility of the state and county. Under Florida law, municipalities have no role in social services. The state works with the county for the delivery of these services. Eligibility...
How can the government lite model keep our taxes low?
Last Updated: October 26, 2023The municipal charter sets the compensation of elected town leaders and outlines the structure of the new local government. This structure helps reduce the need for additional expenditure and encourages a smaller administration size. Elected town leaders agree on and approve the budget each year, and it can be designed to keep the government size...
Who determines Perdido’s “fair share” of taxes?
Last Updated: October 26, 2023This is an excellent question. The state of Florida’s Department of Revenue, Florida statutes, and examples set forth by existing municipalities in their interlocal agreements, all provide a specific and fair way of determining the tax dollars that belong to a local municipality. As part of the unincorporated county, local tax dollars go into a...
Who would be responsible for the roads and streets?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023After the municipality is formed, locally elected town leaders would sit with other local government officials to determine which streets and roads would be county versus municipally maintained. Under state statutes and through intergovernmental contracts, the municipality can then ensure appropriate infrastructure funding using existing revenue sources, such as state and county gas taxes and...
Does being a municipality have any drawbacks when it comes to disaster recovery?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023In Florida, disaster recovery operations are handled by its counties. Much like the county, a small percentage of recovery funding comes from the local government. But municipalities carry certain responsibilities and advantages with disaster recovery. Disaster recovery in Florida flows from the state to the county, along with FEMA and state disaster recovery funds. The...
Will we need dedicated government buildings?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023There is no immediate need to construct dedicated government buildings. Because of the small size of government-lite towns, they can effectively operate out of smaller, existing office space, something often readily available in communities like ours. After a new town has operated for several years, local leaders may consider building dedicated offices if it suits...
How much would incorporation cost local taxpayers?
Last Updated: October 26, 2023The cost to taxpayers depends entirely on the level of services residents desire from their local government. The feasibility report provides budget projections as a baseline – contemplating current service levels for current dollars – using existing revenue sources that would return to the community. The projections showed current service levels to be achievable using...
Could becoming a town help Perdido find its identity?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023This is something only the citizens of Perdido can ultimately decide. Municipal incorporation does offer the Perdido community a chance for a local unified voice, but it is not something that happens overnight. This is perhaps best expressed by Marsha Segal-George, the first Town Manager of Fort Myers Beach, with uncanny similarities to our own...
What sort of bias is there in the feasibility study?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023The firm selected for the study, BJM Consulting, has a track record of over thirty such studies in the state of Florida. Each one must endure the scrutiny of both the community it analyzes, the state legislature, state committees, and various departments. It is in the best interest of everyone for the study to be...
Who funds the feasibility study?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023The cost of the feasibility study, is most often borne by citizens within the local community, although in some cases, a county may commission and fund the study for municipal incorporation (as is the case with Meritt Island, Florida). For Perdido’s feasibility study, local citizens fund the study and efforts. Please consider donating.
How might homeowners be affected?
Last Updated: October 26, 2023Local zoning and planning would address the issue of development outpacing infrastructure and help protect our community’s charm ― our wildlife and way of life. Local code enforcement will help protect property values. Locally managing traffic issues and road repairs will ensure homeowners have an easier time getting around. Based on the boundaries, local law...
Can nonresident property owners vote?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023To participate in Florida’s polls as a voter, you must be registered to vote in the state. While you could theoretically be registered to vote in multiple states, federal law prohibits double voting. Voting in multiple states is a felony – punishable by jail time and fines. Non-resident property owners who have intended to make...
How can citizens ensure their leaders are held accountable?
Last Updated: July 17, 2023The municipal charter is a good start. Defined in the charter, municipalities in Florida offer citizens powerful tools such as the right to recall elected officials, as well as referendum and initiative. These don’t exist for citizens of unincorporated Escambia County, a non-charter (constitutional) county. The charter committee has considered language to prevent elected officials...
How do citizens assess the risks and benefits of becoming a town?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023Florida statutes provide the framework for a feasibility study that looks at all aspects of a proposed municipality. This study helps communities like ours determine if incorporation is the right fit and if it would be feasible. Benefits and risks assessment is an essential part of this feasibility study. BJM Consulting utilizes a SWOT (Strengths,...
After a hurricane, who would be responsible for fixing Perdido Key Drive?
Last Updated: July 7, 2023BJM Consulting, among others, advised that the new municipality not take ownership of disaster-prone resources such as Perdido Key Drive. The short answer is that the road’s owner is responsible for its repair. FEMA and disaster recovery funds cover the majority of these costs. Any remaining balance is covered by the owner of the asset....
Who pays for the cleanup after a hurricane?
Last Updated: July 7, 2023In a declared disaster area, FEMA and the state of Florida work with the county emergency operations center to distribute funds and resources, clean up debris, and repair roads. Municipalities within a given county have a seat in the emergency operations center and help guide the dispatching of equipment and communicate the community’s needs. There...
Would becoming a town affect homestead, disabled veteran, and widow/widower exemptions?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023No. All of these exemptions are outlined in Florida statutes, not at the municipal level.
Can a municipality increase the assessed property tax values of its residents?
Last Updated: July 5, 2023No. Assessed property values for tax purposes are handled by the county tax assessor’s office and must comply with state regulations. One such regulation limits how much the assessed value may increase in any given year. For instance, properties with homestead exemptions cannot increase more than 3% in a given year, matching average inflationary figures.
Would the new town, as proposed, collect utility taxes?
Last Updated: November 7, 2023No, not as currently proposed. While utility taxes can be a revenue source for municipalities, the feasibility report showed a balanced general fund budget without a utility tax. The report provides budget projections as a baseline – contemplating current service levels for current dollars – using existing revenue sources that would return to the community. If...
Does all current tax revenue remain with the county?
Last Updated: October 13, 2023No. Florida counties cannot collect franchise fees or communication services tax within municipal boundaries. Those turn over to the municipality. The state prohibits non-charter counties (such as Escambia County) from collecting MSTUs or MSBUs within municipal boundaries without the municipality’s consent. While the county’s ad valorem taxes would remain with the county, the feasibility report demonstrates that...
Would the new town be eligible for state-shared revenues?
Last Updated: October 13, 2023As proposed, the Town of Perdido would qualify for these funds. State-shared revenues come from sales tax (the 1% and half-cent county sales taxes) and a portion of other state tax revenue. These funds go into a pool at the state and are distributed to local governments according to a complex formula, as determined by the...
What would the impact be on residents and businesses?
Last Updated: October 28, 2023The feasibility study analysis is based on current service levels for current dollars. The report looks at all existing tax revenues that would return to the town’s control and then contemplates impacts based on current services. It demonstrates that, with current service levels, a balanced general fund budget is attainable using only existing revenue sources....
Is the mayor elected or appointed?
Last Updated: November 6, 2023Under the council-manager form of local government, as proposed in the Town of Perdido’s draft charter, the town mayor is one of the council members and has no administrative authority (sometimes referred to as a “weak mayor”). They simply serve as the chairman of council meetings and sign documents and agreements on behalf of the...
Why are Coral Creek and Roscoe Field areas being included?
Last Updated: November 7, 2023No decision has yet been made on including Coral Creek or Roscoe Field areas. Upcoming research will look at the implications of including each of these areas. The final decision for inclusion will be based on four factors: identity, feasibility, liability, and interest. We learned from other proposed municipal incorporations to research surrounding areas, considering...
Would council members have term limits?
Last Updated: November 7, 2023In the proposed Town of Perdido charter (see the Special Act), council members would be subject to term limits. These dedicated individuals would serve two-year terms capped at a maximum of three consecutive terms. This thoughtful provision ensures a blend of experience and renewal, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives while maintaining stability. The limited term...