Panama City considers establishing nine community development districts in SweetBay

PANAMA CITY − Local officials are considering a new method to help fund future infrastructure developments in a portion of the city.

Panama City commissioners have approved the first reading of an ordinance that would establish nine community development districts in the SweetBay area. Known as CDDs, these districts are used to service residents and businesses within a given area.

According to the meeting's agenda, the ordinance would establish seven residential community development districts and two commercial community development districts. The CDDs are being considered as a way to help speed up infrastructure developments in undeveloped portions of SweetBay.

"They're created to plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain communitywide infrastructure and services, especially for the benefit of its residents," said Nevin Zimmerman, city attorney for Panama City.

Zimmerman noted some services that can be offered by CDDs include stormwater management, along with water and sewer developments.

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CDDs are governed by a board of supervisors, which are initially elected by landowners. Their positions then eventually transition to residents as the area develops. Each CDD would have its own board.

CDDs also are entirely funded by those who live within the area, largely through additional taxes, Zimmerman said. The proposed districts, however, do not include properties already sold to third parties, so residents already living in SweetBay would not pay more taxes if the districts are approved.

According to Commissioner Josh Street, the commission will hold its second reading of the ordinance at a meeting on May 23.

"This was the first step in a multi-step process that will continue to have more public input," Street said. "SweetBay people who currently live there are not going to pay additional taxes. This is really for new developments that come in the future."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City considers community development districts for SweetBay