City Should Take All Sides into Consideration

So how exactly did we get here with the pending Rental Registration Ordinance that is up for vote in the City of Marco Island? Simply put, the Marco Island City Council failed to listen to the concerns of ALL involved and in turn take substantive action to address those concerns. “There’s nothing we can do here;” comments made by one of the City Councilman during the City Council meeting when this ordinance came up for discussion. That is not something the Citizens of this community want to hear from its leaders. But he was right, previous inaction by the City Council on this matter left the door wide open to create the current situation, an ordinance that was generated from a group representing only ONE side in this matter

If passed, the City will be faced with an ordinance that brings litigation risk for the City. Specifically, there are 19 different areas of concern in the ordinance that was outlined by the City Attorney. Plus, it creates an overly burdensome and very costly program for the City to manage going forward, estimates by the City approach $1 million annually. 

There are countless compelling and emotional stories on this matter circulating on social media, in the press and during the City Council meetings. Some that are in favor, some that are against and frankly some that are just untrue. This matter really hits people hard. There is potential for a huge impact to some from an economic standpoint, and from a quality-of-life standpoint for others. 

This is critically important for local businesses, residents, property owners and visitors. That is exactly why it needs to be done right. We need to move away from the pending ordinance that was created by a group on ONE side in this issue. I urge the City leaders to get to work on a plan that takes into consideration the concerns of everyone. 

It’s not too late, please give the Marco Island City Council a second chance to handle this matter in an appropriate way. On August 23, please vote NO on the proposed Rental Registration Ordinance.