CEPD talks on apportionment, letter to owners
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s (CEPD) commission reviewed the renourishment assessment apportionment and provided direction on what figures to use in the public notice at a recent workshop.
On Aug. 20, Chairman Bob Walter opened the discussion with an update from Lee County.
He reiterated that the CEPD had reached out to county officials about a month ago and requested additional funds for last year’s beach project in the amount of $4.5 million to reduce the cost. Walter reported that he followed up with one county commissioner a few days ago and the previous day.
He continued that the commissioner’s assistant got back to him, reporting that the CEPD had “full support” for additional funding and it would be discussed at an upcoming budget workshop.
“So that’s a positive,” Walter said.
Next up, representatives from consultant Governmental Management Services (GMS) provided an overview of the assessment apportionment methodology and explained that they had drafted the letter that would be sent to property owners using a figure of $12 million as the total apportionment cost.
Walter noted that the commission had approved $10 million at its recent meeting.
Asked about using $12 million or $10 million for the public notice, Walter reported that he preferred using the range of $10 million to $12 million if possible, but would be OK with $12 million if not.
Secretary and Treasurer Bernie Dupre disagreed and questioned using a range at all. He suggested sticking with the $10 million figure as voted on or using wording like an estimated $10 million.
“We have no basis for 12, no basis for 11, no basis for 15,” Dupre said.
After some further discussion, the commission directed GMS to use the range of $10 million to $12 million on the letter to property owners if it is able or to use an estimated $10 million if it is not.
It also directed GMS to send the final apportionment model to all of the commissioners.
During public comment, one person asked if it was the same model used for the last renourishment.
Walter explained that the methodology drivers were the same in terms of owners being assessed for storm protection benefits, a recreation benefit or both — with a discount for those homesteaded.
GMS added that the changes would be in terms of the number of properties, the makeup of the properties and the just values of the properties as of today.
Also at the workshop, Walter reiterated that last year’s project is estimated to cost about $33 million total, compared to the prior one at $24 million. He added that it includes the plantings, tilling and such.
Walter continued that the estimated apportionment to be split among the properties is about $10 million, compared to $7.3 million for the previous beach renourishment that the CEPD conducted.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email