Florida city voters reject bonds

North Port, Florida, voters rejected four referendums authorizing debt Monday, including three that would have authorized bond issuance.

Voters on Tuesday rejected borrowing $115 million to build a police department headquarters, with 68% voting no; $14 million for a solid waste transfer station, with 52% voting no; and $17 million for a wastewater treatment plant, with 51% voting no.

"These referendums presented the most fiscally responsible options available to complete necessary projects," said City Manager Jerome Fletcher. "The voters have spoken and we respect the will of the people. ? Moving forward, we will need to explore other available options ? which most likely will be more costly ? to meet those needs."

The fourth would have allowed the city council to borrow money during state or federal-declared emergencies. North Port is the only city in Florida whose charter requires voter referendums to approve borrowings.

"We're obviously disappointed but we will do the best we can," said Mayor Phil Stokes. "We respect the vote of the citizens."

In November voters narrowly rejected a proposal to allow the city to borrow without a vote in case of a state or national declared emergency or for health and safety reasons. Some residents told the city council they would have favored the measure if it was restricted to declared emergencies, Stokes said.

However, 60% of the voters rejected the narrowed measure Monday.

Stokes said the city was worried about finances being damaged by back-to-back storms. Hurricane Ian took a financial toll on the city in 2022. If another storm had hit the city, it would have been in difficult straits, he said.

The federal and state governments often offer low interest loans, which are sometimes forgiven, after major hurricanes, but it is impractical to have referendums on borrowing after major natural disasters, Stokes said.

Stokes said the city will probably try to accumulate cash to pursue the projects.