At the March 7 Palm Coast City Council workshop, Mayor Mike Norris said, “We're going to force lifetime residents of Florida and Flagler County to flee their homes” in reference to raising the utility rates. He got it partially right – lifetime residents of Florida and Flagler County will have to flee their homes – if he manages to accomplish what he’s wanted since filing for his mayoral run – shutting down residential construction.
There’s a stark contrast between the mayor’s public campaigning and his actions in office.
Our mayor ran on the acronym R.A.I.S.E.:
- Revitalizing existing infrastructure – Voting against the proposed utility plan or holding it hostage to the shutdown of residential construction will not revitalize existing infrastructure.
- Attracting industrial growth and employment opportunities – Industrial growth and employment opportunities come with rooftops. As we’ve grown in population, we’ve attracted new businesses and companies to our area. With continued, paced growth, economic development will follow.
- Increasing public safety and security – Growth contributes to public resources that enhance safety and emergency response.
- Smart growth and expansion by promoting sustainable development – Shutting down new residential construction with a full moratorium is the literal opposite of sustainable development.
- Empowering the commercial development of Town Center – Voting against the proposed utility plan prevents Town Center from bringing in more commercial development because there won’t be sufficient utility capacity for new businesses.
Now, after 100 days in office, the quiet truth has come out—Mayor Norris wants to stop building and shut down an entire industry.
Some may think, “Great! I don’t want any more growth! It was perfect when I moved here.” But let’s examine why growth is actually good for our city and for you.
- Growth pays for itself – City Planner Estelle Lens recently explained that in a new development in Seminole Woods, “The infrastructure improvements, including the stormwater systems, roadways, wastewater lines, potable water lines, lift stations, etc., are constructed at the sole cost of the developer.” Additionally, developers provide a performance bond to ensure project completion, and internal roadways and stormwater management facilities remain privately owned and maintained.
- Infill lot development benefits the community – When homes are built on infill lots, the infrastructure is already in place, but new residents pay impact fees (through their builder) for utilities, schools, fire, police, roads and more.
- New residents contribute more tax revenue – If you think your tax bill is high, imagine paying without a homestead exemption. New residents, particularly those without exemptions, contribute significantly to the tax base.
- More residents drive economic development – When industries look for expansion opportunities, they assess workforce availability, housing options for employees, and consumer demand. A growing population attracts businesses and services that benefit the entire community.
- The construction industry fuels the local economy – Whether you work in construction or not, your livelihood is likely tied to it. The industry contributes an estimated $574 million to our local economy, supporting businesses from coffee shops to print shops.
The Utility Plan and Rate Increase: What’s Really Happening
This plan is not being placed solely “on the backs” of residents. Replacement and Rehabilitation (R&R) of existing infrastructure is a necessity. Existing residents contribute to increasing capacity needs — whether by adding household members (children, aging parents) or through greater daily water and sewer usage. Capacity is also burdened by heavy rainfall and aging infrastructure that needs replacement due to excessive water absorption.
Impact fees paid by new construction will fund as much of the utility plan as legally allowed. Additionally, a growing customer base means more residents sharing the cost of utilities, lessening the financial burden on everyone.
Mayor Norris’ proposed moratorium will not fix the problems he claims it will. It will, however, hurt our economy, increase housing costs, and create long-term financial strain on existing residents. We urge the mayor and City Council to support responsible growth, pass the necessary utility plan and work with industry professionals to find sustainable solutions.
