MICA MEMBER SURVEY

Community Priorities and Governance Survey

Marco Island Civic Association

Purpose. MICA's bylaws state that the Association seeks to assist in the general welfare and civic improvement of Marco Island and to advance the best interests of its citizens. This survey is intended to identify member priorities and provide direction for future civic engagement.

Please select the response that most closely reflects your view. There are no right or wrong answers.

Privacy: This survey is anonymous. Individual responses are not associated with a name, email address, membership record, IP address, or user account. Results are intended to be reported in aggregate. Please submit only one response per MICA member.

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SECTION I. QUALITY OF LIFE AND COMMUNITY PRIORITIES

1. Overall, how would you describe the direction in which Marco Island is headed as a community in which to live?

Strongly in the right direction Somewhat in the right direction Somewhat in the wrong direction Strongly in the wrong direction

2. How significant a community concern are short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods?

The City previously adopted, implemented, and later discontinued a short-term rental registration and enforcement program. This question concerns neighborhood impacts and the need, if any, for future local action.

Not concerned Slightly concerned Moderately concerned Very concerned

3. How concerned are you about canal and near-shore water quality on Marco Island?

Residents have raised concerns about nutrient loading, stormwater runoff, landscape practices, and the use of reclaimed water for irrigation. The relative contribution of each source may require further technical review.

Not concerned Slightly concerned Moderately concerned Very concerned

4. How concerned are you that recent budgeting practices may have deferred needed maintenance, staffing, or infrastructure investment?

The City has adopted rollback-rate budgets in multiple years. Supporters cite tax restraint, while critics contend that repeated restraint can postpone necessary work and reduce service capacity.

Not concerned Slightly concerned Moderately concerned Very concerned

5. How important is it for the City to publicly compare repair, replacement, and other lower-cost alternatives before approving major capital projects?

The proposed Winterberry boardwalk project prompted debate over whether full replacement or more limited repairs would provide the best value. Similar comparisons may be useful for future projects.

Not important Slightly important Moderately important Very important

6. How concerned are you about turnover in senior City positions and its effect on continuity, institutional knowledge, and service delivery?

Recent years have included changes in positions such as City Manager, Finance Director, Purchasing Manager, Permit Manager, and Police Chief.

Not concerned Slightly concerned Moderately concerned Very concerned

7. To what extent, if at all, do tourism-related activity and promotion negatively affect residents’ quality of life?

Not at all A little A moderate amount A great deal

8. Would you support a statewide constitutional limit on property taxes if such a measure appears on the 2026 general election ballot?

Any final position should be based on the actual ballot language and its effect on local services, homesteaded property, and non-homesteaded property.

Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Somewhat support Strongly support

9. Would you support a City bond of approximately $23 million for identified infrastructure projects if it appears on the 2026 ballot?

Consider the final project list, repayment term, interest cost, tax impact, and whether each project is necessary now.

Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Somewhat support Strongly support

10. Which approach should the City take regarding future police services?

Retain the current department Retain it with a public efficiency and staffing review Study a contract or merger with the Sheriff’s Office Transfer police functions to the Sheriff’s Office

11. Would you support rezoning on South Collier Boulevard that could allow a substantial expansion of the Hilton property?

Consider traffic, height and density, neighborhood compatibility, public benefits, infrastructure capacity, and enforceable development conditions.

Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Somewhat support Strongly support

12. How important is it that City ordinances and procedural requirements be applied consistently to residents, applicants, City officials, and the City itself?

Not important Slightly important Moderately important Very important

13. Which general approach should the City use when revenues are insufficient to cover increasing costs and proposed projects?

Reduce or defer lower-priority spending Combine spending restraint with limited tax increases Raise taxes as needed to fund services and projects Use reserves or borrowing when prudent

14. Would you support the City purchasing a parking property on Collier Boulevard for up to approximately $12 million?

Consider the independent appraisal, demonstrated public need, proposed use, operating costs, alternatives, and effect on taxpayers.

Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Somewhat support Strongly support

15. How serious is seasonal traffic congestion on Marco Island?

Not a problem Minor problem Moderate problem Serious problem

SECTION II. GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY

Background. Florida municipalities commonly use council-manager, mayor-council, or commission-based structures. Each model involves different tradeoffs in professional administration, voter accountability, continuity, and executive leadership.

16. How much confidence do you currently have in the Marco Island City Council?

A great deal of confidence Some confidence Little confidence No confidence

17. Should Marco Island formally study whether its current council-manager form of government continues to best serve the community?

The council-manager model emphasizes professional administration and continuity. Concerns sometimes raised include indirect voter accountability for executive decisions and the absence of a single elected executive responsible for City operations.

Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Somewhat support Strongly support

18. Should voters be given the opportunity to decide whether Marco Island should change from a council-manager system to an elected mayor-council system?

An elected mayor can provide a visible point of executive accountability and a unified policy agenda. Potential concerns include concentrating authority in one elected office and increasing political involvement in day-to-day administration.

Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Somewhat support Strongly support

19. Should voters be given the opportunity to consider electing some or all City Council members from geographic districts or precincts rather than electing every member at large?

District representation can strengthen neighborhood accountability and local access. At-large elections allow every voter to vote on every council seat and may encourage an island-wide perspective.

Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Somewhat support Strongly support

20. Should Marco Island conduct a formal public study of the costs, services, and consequences of dissolving the municipal government and transferring City functions to Collier County?

A study would not itself dissolve the City. Any change would require compliance with applicable law and a clear explanation of taxes, services, representation, assets, liabilities, and public safety impacts.

Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Somewhat support Strongly support

21. Which three issues should be MICA’s highest priorities during the next 12 months?

Select up to three priority areas.

Neighborhood quality of life and short-term rentals Water quality and environmental protection Fiscal oversight and capital spending Infrastructure and traffic Tourism impacts Police services and public safety Government structure and accountability Development, zoning, and density

Additional comments or concerns:

Thank you for participating. Survey results should be reported in aggregate.