Council approves annual assessments and fees; solid-waste and fire assessment increases draw public comment

The Cape Coral City Council approved a package of non-ad valorem assessment rates and related assessment-roll actions on Aug. 27, finalizing rates for services the city funds and places on Lee County tax bills.

Key votes and outcomes

- Resolution 240-25 (lot mowing assessment): Approved by roll call. The lot mowing program covers mowing, invasive-vegetation removal and burrowing-owl trimming for enrolled unimproved parcels; rates vary by district and the program mows enrolled lots 13 times a year. Council vote recorded as unanimous (8–0).

- Resolution 241-25 (solid waste service assessment): Approved by roll call. Financial Services Director Crystal Feese presented the rates, which reflect a contract CPI increase and a county disposal-fee increase. The city manager and staff explained that a portion of the assessment builds an emergency debris-cleanup reserve to allow the city to pay cleanup costs upfront and pursue FEMA or other reimbursements later. Public commenter Tom Shadrach urged a lower rate, saying, “Having that much money there and taking it out of the pockets of us that pay for solid…