Port Charlotte one step closer to becoming a city

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.- Port Charlotte residents are one step closer to having more say on spending, government and revitalization.

For the first time, people are donating their money to find out what it would take for Port Charlotte to become a city.

“They’re positive, they’re very positive about getting the study done. I think that they’re not sure if they want to incorporate or not, but that’s fair,” said Denise Garbacz, who is a part of the group Incorporate Port Charlotte.

A feasibility study costs $10,000. Already, more than $2,000 has been donated.

“There’s been lots of discussion in the past about incorporating, but it’s all been emotional and no one has taken the time to actually get the facts together so people can have an informed opinion or emotional response,” said Garbacz.

By becoming a city, people would have more control on what Port Charlotte looks like and what changes should be made.

“We have a lot of empty lots and we have alot of ordinances that need updating that aren’t enforced. I think we could do better as a city,” said resident Dan Rodriguez.

However, some people don’t think the city status is worth the extra cost that may tack along.

“They’re not sure if the taxes are going to go up, they really don’t know. They are afraid, everyone is afraid of taxation,” said Rodriguez, “I could see that, because I don’t want taxes to go up either.”

Incorporate Port Charlotte wants to raise the rest of the feasibility funds by the end of October.