Collier County Commissioners vote to defer stormwater fee for 1 year

Collier County Commissioners voted to defer the stormwater fee for one year at a meeting Thursday.

“You are not ready for this–you are not ready–no,” said resident Joyce Chesser.

More than 100 people packed the room in the Collier County Commissioners chambers for what stretched into an unusually long hearing.

A lot of clapping, even laughing, as neighbors took the stand to show their strong disapproval of the proposed stormwater fee.

People at the mic continued to say the fee is flawed, and it does not belong in this year’s budget. The vast majority with one message:Don’t vote on this until everyone, including commissioners, understands the fee.

“All of a sudden we’ve got this big rush to clean up all the storm drainage problems like right now,” said resident Henry Crousey.

Commissioners say the most homeowners could be paying is $192, with the majority paying around $120.

“It’s not just about getting money for the county it’s about possibly people not being able to eat or pay their bills,” said resident Eric Ritz.

MORE: Election night sparks controversy of stormwater fee proposal