De-Annexation Facts
Wellen Park is part of our community of unity
Review the list below to learn more about the myths vs. the facts of de-annexation. North Port is proud to be the home of Wellen Park, and City leadership is open to public feedback about what our future together looks like. If you're interested in receiving updates from the City regarding Wellen Park, sign up via the email form at the bottom of this page. If you want to learn more, download and share the fact sheet(PDF, 7MB)!
Myth: De-annexation would lower property taxes and save Wellen Park homeowners money.
Fact: While ad valorem taxes might be lower, it's very likely that assessments to homeowners would increase in order to pay off existing infrastructure costs - and unlike property taxes, these assessments can't be written off. The Wellen Park developer is still owed about $100 million in impact fees currently being collected by the City to pay for the wastewater treatment plant, public safety complex and road network in Wellen Park, costs that would likely be passed on to Wellen Park residents if de-annexation occurred.
Myth: The City is fiscally irresponsible; it spent $1 million from emergency funds to balance the 2019 budget.
Fact: Due to sound financial planning and fiscal responsibility, the City has built up healthy reserves over the years - as demonstrated by significant fund balances that are now being utilized to help pay for emergency expenses due to Hurricane Ian. Using fund balances – not emergency reserves – is a common practice in governmental budgeting. North Port has earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association, the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting, 15 years in a row, and the independent Fitch Ratings affirmed the City's "AA" bond rating in 2022.
Myth: Most of my annual property tax bill is paid to the City of North Port.
Fact: Only 30 cents of every dollar paid by the average homeowner in Wellen Park on their annual tax bill is collected by the City of North Port. The remainder goes to the school district (34 cents), Sarasota County (16 cents), West Villages Improvement District (13 cents) and other special districts and assessments (6 cents).
Myth: Wellen Park would receive the same or better services if it was not part of North Port.
Fact: There is no assurance that public safety response times would remain the same if de-annexation occurs. Solid waste rates are likely to increase, whether switching to a private hauler that is not currently prepared to take on additional customers, or by contracting with the City of North Port for service. And even if de-annexed, the City would still provide water and sewer services to Wellen Park, but fees would increase. By state law, the City currently charges a 15 percent surcharge for service outside its municipal boundary. The City can charge up to a 25 percent surcharge without a public meeting and can charge between 26 and 50 percent surcharge after a public meeting.
Myth: Wellen Park really isn't part of the North Port community; it was illegally annexed.
Fact: Wellen Park is located within the City of North Port boundaries. All relevant annexations are final and the timeline to contest the annexations in court passed many years ago.
Myth: North Port residents face a $34 million tax burden to replace/repair crumbling water control infrastructure.
Fact: Maintenance to the City of North Port's stormwater system and related infrastructure improves drainage and mitigates our flood risk, benefitting all areas of the City.
Myth: The City plans to spend $22 million on planned improvements to Warm Mineral Springs Park.
Fact: The City has set aside $9 million from Warm Mineral Springs fund balance, impact fees and surtax funds for planned improvements to the park and is seeking a private partner to fund additional improvements. No further City funds have been committed.
Myth: North Port residents face a $1 billion tax burden to convert almost 2/3 of residents from septic to sewer systems.
Fact: Not true. There is no plan for all taxpayers to pay for sewer expansion. These costs are being borne by new owners of unimproved/unbuilt lots. This project is also being funded through Sarasota County surtax dollars.
Myth: The North Port Aquatic Center has an $800,000 annual operating deficit.
Fact: Thanks to responsible fiscal management by City staff, the Aquatic Center's operating deficit has been reduced to approximately $300,000 annually. But just like other municipal parks and recreation centers, the Aquatic Center was designed to provide greater recreational opportunities for families and enhance the quality of life for all residents, not turn a profit. It remains popular among residents and visitors alike, experiencing record turnout in 2022 and already surpassing its original revenue projections.
Myth: My tax rate in unincorporated Sarasota County would mirror the current unincorporated tax rate.
Fact: Assessments to homeowners are likely to increase, and a special taxing district may be necessary in order to pay off existing infrastructure costs and provide the same or higher levels of service as the City.
Myth: Only about 10% of the City's land is commercial. It needs at least an additional 13% to 17% commercial development to offset unsustainable special assessments and taxes for residents.
Fact: It is true that the City’s commercial/industrial land area is less than 10% and that optimal would be at least 18%. However, the West Villagers group has stated that North Port is relying exclusively on Wellen Park to make up that difference, and that North Port would essentially go bankrupt without them, which is not true. The non-residential growth in Wellen Park is outweighed by the non-residential, tax-producing industry growth occurring in the rest of North Port, which includes millions of square feet projected for health care, hotels, industrial, and other uses.
Additionally, the City is working on a Master Plan for a large part of undeveloped eastern North Port that would significantly increase the percentage of land designated for commercial and industrial development. The City is also investing in necessary infrastructure projects that will make commercial corridors and activity centers shovel-ready and attractive for site selectors and developers.
Myth: Wellen Park residents would become Venice residents upon de-annexation.
Fact: Not true. Despite its mailing address, Wellen Park would be located in unincorporated Sarasota County, well outside of the City of Venice limits. The City is re-engaging the U.S. Postal Service to either change all City mailing addresses to “North Port” or create a “Wellen Park” mailing address.
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