The City of Marco Island

Marco Islanders have earned a reputation as a warring clan, an outspoken group that bumps heads hard and often. And now that the island has made the political transition into a city, the reputation has only become stronger.

But on an average day, life doesn't seem so hard on Marco Island. With a population of about 12,000 and a taxable property base of more than $3 billion, the community enjoys a low crime rate, numerous parks, several luxury hotels, a sizeable draw of wealthy tourists and some killer subtropical sunsets.

So how has Marco Island earned its reputation? And is it really an accurate representation of the city? The answer depends on whom you speak to.

The Deltona Days

To understand the number of issues swirling around the island city, you must begin in the late 1960s and early 70s, when the Miami-based Deltona Company developed and marketed the island as a sporty, subdivision-type community. Those looking to buy a slice of paradise flocked to the island, snatching up homes and condominiums built in the latest styles.

Deltona's vision began to dissolve, however, when a new national environmental movement of the mid-1970s began to halt construction. As Deltona's permit applications were denied, the lawsuits began. Lots designated for community structures remained vacant. Parcels planned as home sites became state preserve lands.

Deltona, financially and legally unable to continue the Marco vision after the lawsuit's settlement in 1982, sold or donated most of its remaining island assets by the late 1980s. Much of the infrastructure became the responsibility of either Collier County or the Florida Department of Transportation. To take care of specialized requests -- for example, Marco's well-admired median landscaping -- Collier County was able to negotiate municipal services taxing units, or MSTUs, that charged Marco taxpayers for "municipal-like" services with input from a board of island volunteers.

The county did not, however, have land use regulations specific to the island. Over the years developers were subject to Collier County land use rules, not to the review of Marco residents. If neighbors objected to a major land use decision, their only option was to lobby their district commissioner or appeal directly to the Board of Collier County Commissioners.

With input from Marco volunteers, the county did develop sign ordinances and a tailor-fitted zoning overlay and for the island by 1997. But by that time many Islanders had already become angered by several zoning-related decisions. In a highly charged 1996 case, the Board of Collier County Commissioners granted a setback variance to a beachfront resort project, the Marco Beach Ocean Resort. Islanders from nearby condominiums protested bitterly. Others believed the new resort would be a gateway for more island congestion. Commissioners who voted for the variance said their decisions were based on standing zoning regulations. Decisions based on anything else, they said, may have violated private property rights.

Then there were other controversial projects: a glass-fronted souvenir shop with neon lights and a brightly-lit fast food restaurant near the entranceway to the high-prestige estates residential area. The projects were completely legal under county ordinance but unsavory by local sentiment. Islanders were also angry at periodic street flooding from an older storm water drainage system, and at the absence of paved sidewalks in some areas.

The Drive to Incorporate

The idea to incorporate first surfaced in 1980 and lingered for 17 years. Marco Island registered voters faced five different referendums on the issue from 1980 to 1993. When 1997 rolled around, a sixth movement sprung to life.

The biggest argument for incorporation was to control Marco's future. Proponents argued that at best the unincorporated island could have the sympathetic ear of one of five Collier County Commissioners. The rest of the commissioners, they said, had their own constituents to fight for. Proponents also said the island's $2.8 billion tax base was a cash cow for the rest of unincorporated Collier County -- that the island wasn't getting back in services what it paid in taxes.

Most anti-incorporation arguments centered on the concept of higher taxes and fears of bureaucracy. There was no way to add another layer of localized government, opponents argued, without raising taxes. Seniors on fixed incomes or young families struggling to get by on numerous jobs would surely be priced off the island.

Opponents also pointed out recent improvements Collier County had made for Marco -- the zoning overlay, for example. And as for controlling the destiny of the island, opponents said it was already too late -- the major island developments were already in place. Having the support of one of five county commissioners, they said, would be better than seven inexperienced city councilors.

The issues rolled in, week after week, toward the Aug. 28, 1997, incorporation vote. Policing was a hotly debated point because of an unincorporated tax that would drop from Marco's bill. Part of the tax covered services from the Collier County Sheriff's Department.

Revenue sharing became another sore spot. The portion of county taxes that would be redirected to the city fell short of the amount necessary to qualify for Florida revenue sharing. In practical terms, Marco would have to raise city taxes to be able to snag the extra funds.

Despite the efforts of those against it, the bill for Marco Island incorporation came before registered Marco voters in the form of a mail-in ballot tabulated on Aug. 28. Even the election sparked some controversy -- due to an error at the county elections office, the ballots had to be recounted. But in the end, incorporation passed by 181 votes, a marginal but valid majority among the approximately 6300 who voted.

A City in Transition

Looking back more than a year later, the city of Marco Island continues to take shape. Many are watching it closely -- the onlookers include Bonita Springs residents, who will likely face an incorporation vote in November.

On the positive side, the city has experienced a large amount of community support. In the early weeks of incorporation, nearly 40 residents, ranging in age from 19 to the 77, ran for seven seats on the Marco city council. After it was established, the council appointed several volunteer citizen groups to research issues such as emergency services and finances. Dozens showed up to fill the positions. "I have just had tremendous support," says Marco City Manager Bill Moss, who's held his position for roughly a year.

The city has a strong budget -- there are presently about $2 million in general fund reserves, as well as about $728,000 set aside for a tax reduction reserve, intended to provide for future tax reductions. Property values have risen to $3 bill