Annexation 

Though there are no specific proposals on the table at this time, the issue of annexation and whether Naples should consider expanding its boundaries regularly comes up during City Council elections.

My stand on annexation is very simple – for it to make sense, a neighborhood or group of residents must first want to annex INTO the City and not be seeking to annex OUT of the County. Too often, a group of citizens proposes annexation as a means of ending a sour relationship rather than looking forward at their contribution toward the betterment of our town. 

Naples is the premier place to live, work and raise a family. Part of our charm and quality of life as a town is our uniquely small geographic size and the level of service provided by the city. Therefore, any proposed annexation would have to pass the following additional litmus tests: 

First, the annexation could not be transformational in any way. A transformational annexation is one that would adversely impact the character of our town.  If the property owners wishing to be annexed appeared not to change the character of the town, then we would have to produce an Urban Services Report, essentially a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis to ensure that our town receives an economic. 

This report would include a review of the level of service currently provided by the city and an analysis of the cost to provide that level of service to the subject parcel (including paying the required four years of payments to the fire district). Then we would have to determine the incremental increase in property tax revenues the city would receive from the subject parcel. If there were a net gain to the city, then I would consider supporting annexation. 

And, as always, I will seek out the input of my fellow Neapolitans before making any decision.