by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
A public hearing took place on Tuesday, August 19, to consider establishing and implementing the Wulfert Channel Dredging Assessment District. The Sanibel City Council unanimously voted to establish the one-time Wulfert Channel Dredging Assessment District and levied the one-time special assessment.
The City of Sanibel will fund 33.33 percent of the project cost; property owners who benefit will pay the remainder of the cost (66.67 percent).
Dredging will be limited to the portion of Wulfert Channel that is within the City’s jurisdictional boundaries and those areas of Dinkins Bayou that need to be dredged for the barge to navigate between Wulfert Channel and the Henderson Road boat ramp, where trucks will pick up dredge material for transport.
The Dinkins Bayou dredging increased the total cost from $598,555 to $748,065.
Based on this cost, each property owner within the assessment district, excluding owners of vacant parcels that do not have development rights, would be responsible for paying $2,556.47 for this dredging project.
The owner can pay in one lump-sum payment in 2025, or in installments of two, three, four, or five annual payment options. The City of Sanibel will bill the amounts and will not include them on owners’ tax bills.
Vice Mayor Holly Smith stressed that this is a one-time assessment and a one-time project.
The City – and homeowners – had hoped to get some assistance from Lee County, as many people other than Sanibel residents use the waterways.
“Lee County has not stepped up, not that we didn’t ask,” said Council member Richard Johnson. “We just weren’t able to succeed. Hopefully, in the future, we will see Lee County come forward and pay its fair share.”
“We all agree that Lee County should have stepped up,” said Council member Laura DeBruce. “Unfortunately, we are where we are. I know many residents wish we were doing more, many who wish we were doing less, and some who wish we were doing nothing. This is the best we can do for our residents at this time.”
“This dredging won’t last,” said Council member John Henshaw. “It will need to be done again. We need to start working with Lee County now.”
Please note that notices are mailed to property owners using the property appraiser’s listed address. Anyone who hasn’t received a notice should update their address with the property appraiser’s office.