CS/CS/HB 1373 - Village of Estero Charter

• Creates the Village of Estero in Lee County as a new municipality with a council-manager form of government, contingent on voter approval in a November 4, 2014 referendum.

• Establishes a seven-member village council elected at-large from seven districts, with 4-year terms limited to two consecutive terms, plus a mayor and vice mayor elected by the council.

• Provides detailed municipal powers including taxation, budgeting, comprehensive planning, land development regulations, and revenue sharing from state programs and local sources like communications services tax.

• Sets initial council election for March 3, 2015, with the first four vote-getters serving 4-year terms and the other three serving initial 2-year terms; specifies first council meeting on March 17, 2015.

• Includes transition provisions allowing continued use of Lee County ordinances and comprehensive plans until the village adopts its own, plus authorization to contract for municipal services during startup phase.