CEPD passes millage rate, budget
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District unanimously approved its 2011-12 budget with a millage rate of .2823, a 10.4 percent increase over the rollback rate.
“The CEPD ad valorem tax proposed an increased levy of under $40,000 and 100 percent of the levy was needed for increased reserves for the next beach nourishment project scheduled for 2013-14,” Chairman Mike Mullins previously said about why the board voted to increase the millage rate.
Mullins believes Captivans pay their fair share in taxes so deserve a fair level of service from the county the island has not received in the past. Captiva Island pays approximately 15 percent of all county bed taxes, yet receives little funding from Lee County. In 2006, the county gave Captiva $2 million towards the renourishment project and has since requested some of that money back. However, the CEPD has been taking steps to ensure funding is available to keep the island beaches healthy.
“We have been good at holding our money,” said Mullins.
Additionally, the board unanimously passed the general fund budget of $346,319 with $75,000 for operating reserves. For the 2013-14 project, CEPD will spend about $170,000 in the design phase and $153,000 in project support, which includes fees and consultation.
After passing the budget and millage rate resolutions, the board discussed its options for the next project. There was talk of moving up the project to the 2011-12 fiscal year because there could be access to funds. The CEPD could still also partner with Collier County in its next beach project as a way to save on expenses.
“We wanted to be ready and we are,” said CEPD senior administrator Kathy Rooker.
Mullins is on the Captiva Community Panel’s agenda for its next meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11 in the Wakefield Room at ‘Tween Waters Inn. Mullins has been seeking help from Lee County for beach nourishment. Since Captiva generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for Lee County, Mullins feels the county has a responsibility to share the burden of beach renourishment. He will speak to the panel about Lee County’s Captiva-specific taxes.
If you would like to attend, the CCP meeting is open to the public.
The next CEPD meeting will be at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at ‘Tween Waters Inn.