Cape Coral City Council Approves 81% Stormwater Fee Ceiling for Fiscal Year 2026

The Cape Coral City Council convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss key financial matters, including the establishment of a stormwater fee for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with a focus on setting a "not to exceed" rate of 81% for the stormwater fee, which is crucial for funding the city's stormwater management program.

Council member Donnell emphasized that the approval of this rate does not equate to adopting the 81% fee itself, but rather establishes a maximum limit that cannot be exceeded during the final public hearing scheduled for August 27. This clarification was important for both the council and the public, as it delineated the process of setting rates and the separate approvals involved.

Following the discussion, the council voted on the motion to set the not to exceed rate, which passed with a majority of 7 ayes and 1 nay. This decision allows the city to proceed with the necessary steps to notify ratepayers about the proposed fee.

The council then moved on to Resolution 207-25, which pertains to the annual stormwater assessment. This resolution is part of the city's obligation to review and set the stormwater user fee in alignment with the annual budget. The proposed fee aims to ensure adequate funding for critical infrastructure and maintenance efforts to protect neighborhoods and waterways.

The initial public hearing for this resolution was held during the meeting, with the final public hearing and adoption of the fee set for August 27 at 4 PM. Notifications will be sent to all ratepayers ahead of this meeting, ensuring transparency and public engagement in the decision-making process.

In summary, the council's discussions centered on establishing a framework for the stormwater fee, with clear communication to the public about the process and upcoming hearings. The decisions made during this meeting are pivotal for maintaining the city's stormwater management efforts in the coming fiscal year.