QUESTIONS – “Q & A”

QUESTION: What would you do about budget shortfalls?

We don’t have a revenue problem — we have a spending and priorities problem. It’s time to stop the tax-and-spend cycle and run Cape Coral like a responsible business.

Spending-Side Solutions (Avoid or Reduce the Need to Raise $15M)

• Prioritize & Cut Requests — Delay or eliminate some of the $8.8M in new staffing positions.
• Debt Service Management — Refinance existing debt or stretch payments on the $6.4M in new obligations.
• Use Reserves — Tap into the Budget Stabilization Reserve (currently targeted at 2–3 months of General Fund expenses).
• Operational Efficiencies — Find savings in non-essential areas (this has been Council’s stated preference so far).

Closing the $15 Million Budget Gap – The Common Sense Way

• Cape Coral families are already struggling with high taxes, insurance, and water rates. The last thing we need is another tax increase.
• I will oppose any property tax hike to cover this gap. Homeowners have paid enough.
• Make growth pay its fair share. New developments should cover the true cost of the roads, police, fire, and services they require — not shift the burden onto existing taxpayers.
• End the rubber-stamp spending. I will demand a full line-by-line review of the budget and cut non-essential and wasteful spending before asking residents for one more dollar.
• Increase user fees and impact fees on new construction instead of raising taxes on current homeowners.
• Pursue smarter revenue options like raising the electric franchise fee on utilities (not property taxes) and aggressively going after state and federal grants.
• No more blank checks. I will bring fresh eyes and zero conflicts of interest to every budget decision and fight to protect Cape Coral taxpayers first.

Cape Coral Budget Planning

• City government: Relatively stable for 2026, but tightening for 2027 + vulnerable to state tax changes.
• Schools: Significant shortfall and real pain points right now (teacher cuts, program reductions).
• City leaders are actively working on the 2027 budget now and are concerned about potential state property tax relief plans that could reduce city revenue significantly.

Funding Solutions and Tax Reforms

• Aggressive economic development to grow the tax base faster.
• Pursue more state/federal grants for infrastructure and public safety.
• Prepare for potential state property-tax reforms (which could cut city revenue by $60M+ in future years — a much bigger threat).

QUESTION: What would you do about the Cape Coral Yacht Club $250 Million Dollar project?

Scaled-Down Cape Coral Yacht Club Project – 3-Year Phased Plan – Common Sense, Taxpayer-First Approach.

The current $197–$225 million Yacht Club rebuild plan is too big, too expensive, and too risky for Cape Coral taxpayers. It would add $14+ million in annual debt service while contributing to the city’s FY2027 budget pressure.

My proposal scales the project down dramatically — focusing only on essential repairs, revenue-generating components, and realistic public access — while delivering a functional, attractive Yacht Club in 3 years instead of stretching it to 2030.

3-Year Phased Plan

Phase 1 – Year 1 (FY 2027): Safety & Core Infrastructure

• Complete the seawall, dredging, boat ramp, and basic dock repairs (already partially funded).
• Restore basic public access and limited transient slips.
• Estimated Cost: $25–30 million (mostly already committed or low-interest financing).
• Outcome: Safe, usable waterfront returned to residents quickly — no new taxes required.

Phase 2 – Year 2 (FY 2028): Revenue-Generating Core

• Build a modest, efficient Boathouse with restaurant/concession space and additional marina slips.
• Add basic parking, restrooms, and landscaping.
• Prioritize components that generate revenue (rentals, events, boat storage).
• Estimated Cost: $35–45 million (funded primarily through user fees, impact fees, and revenue bonds repaid by project income).
• Outcome: The facility begins paying for itself instead of burdening taxpayers.

Phase 3 – Year 3 (FY 2029): Targeted Enhancements (Only if Self-Sustaining)

• Add limited community amenities (small event pavilion, expanded green space).
• No full-scale community center, resort-style pool, or multi-story parking garage unless proven revenue-positive.
• Estimated Cost: $20–30 million (only if Phase 1 & 2 revenues cover debt service).
• Outcome: A beautiful, functional Yacht Club without massive long-term debt.

Total Projected Cost: $80–105 million (vs. current $197–225 million)

Key Principles of This Plan:

• No new property tax increases for the Yacht Club.
• Growth and users (marina, events, concessions) pay the majority of the cost.
• Focus on essential repairs first — not a luxury resort.
• Full transparency with annual public progress reports and online opinion polls.
• Immediate halt on any further scope creep or luxury add-ons.

This scaled-down, 3-year plan delivers a working Yacht Club residents can enjoy by 2029 while protecting Northwest Cape Coral taxpayers from irresponsible spending.

QUESTION: Will Florida Property Tax Reform negatively impact Cape Coral?

Yes — significantly, unless the State fully replaces the lost revenue.

Key Facts for Cape Coral

• Potential Revenue Loss: Up to $62 million per year (nearly 40% of the City’s General Fund ad valorem revenue).
• This comes primarily from homesteaded properties (about 44% of properties, representing ~40% of taxable value).
• The main proposal (e.g., House Joint Resolution 201 and similar plans) would eliminate or drastically reduce non-school property taxes on primary residences (homesteaded homes), starting as early as 2027 if approved by voters in November 2026.

Major Potential Impacts on Cape Coral

• Deep cuts to essential services: Police, Fire, Parks & Recreation, Road Maintenance, Code Enforcement, and Administration.
• Pressure to raise alternative revenues: higher fire assessments, water/sewer rates, impact fees, electric franchise fees, or local sales taxes.
• Increased burden on non-homesteaded properties (rentals, second homes, commercial) and new buyers.
• Compounding existing budget pressures (including the current ~$15M FY2027 gap).

Bottom Line

While homeowners (especially long-time residents) would see a big tax cut, the City of Cape Coral would face a massive structural budget hole. Without strong, guaranteed state replacement funding, this reform would force either:

• Severe service reductions, or new taxes and fees shifted onto residents through other means.

Cape Coral taxpayers deserve real relief — but not at the cost of gutting public safety and city services. We need smart, responsible tax reform that protects both homeowners and the essential services they rely on.