Collier Commission and School Board Update
Collier Commission and School Board Update
This post summarizes highlights from recent meetings of the Collier County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and the Collier County School Board that have taken place since my previous updates. Catch up on what you missed here.
In this post:
From the Board of County Commissioners (BCC)
- New Collier County Behavioral Health Center approved
- Significant projected shortfalls in funding for capital needs
- Growth and development updates
- Sale of county land for new fairgrounds
- Possible increase to the Tourist Development Tax
From the Collier School Board
Board of County Commissioners
The BCC held regular meetings on May 27 and June 10, and a workshop on June 3.
Collier County Behavioral Health Center
Board Action (June 10)
Commissioners voted 3-2 to execute two agreements needed to begin construction of the new Collier County Behavioral Health Center (formerly known as the David Lawrence Mental Health Facility), which will be operated by the David Lawrence Center (DLC).
Voting in favor: Chairman Burt Saunders and Commissioners Daniel Kowal and Rick LoCastro. Opposed: Commissioners Chris Hall and Bill McDaniel.
Media coverage:
- Naples Daily News – “Collier mental health project is going forward with nonprofit David Lawrence” (6/11/25) ($)
- Gulfshore Business – “Collier commissioners approve mental health facility expansion agreements” (6/11/25)
- Fox 4 News – “Collier County greenlights $56 million mental health facility despite local concerns” (6/11/25)
Background
In 2018, Collier voters approved a one-cent sales surtax, including $25 million earmarked for a mental health central receiving center (a facility that provides 24/7 assessment, stabilization, and referral services for individuals in crisis).
Delays caused by COVID-19, supply chain disruptions, and hurricanes increased costs significantly. The current plan includes fewer beds and a price tag of $56 million.
DLC projects operating deficits over the next eight years, starting at about $730,000 and reaching approximately $1.6 million annually. It expects to cover these losses with donor pledges (including nearly $28 million to date in naming-rights commitments), fundraising, and anticipated grants. Collier County has committed $3 million for fiscal year 2025 (from its general fund and opioid settlement revenue), but is not required to backfill ongoing deficits beyond the 25% local match required by state law. No formal long-term funding plan has been adopted.
Additional reading:
- The Clerk’s Report – “Synopsis of David Lawrence Center Outstanding Issues” (June 2025)
- Naples Daily News – “New mental health center in Naples: Is it a go?” (5/28/25) ($)
Capital Budget Shortfalls
At the June 3 workshop, staff warned commissioners of serious shortfalls totaling hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade, especially in road and stormwater infrastructure needed to keep pace with population growth.
- June 3 agenda item
- Naples Daily News – “Collier County faces huge funding gaps for critical stormwater and transportation projects” (6/5/25)($)
Growth & Development
341 Sabal Palm Road
On May 27, commissioners unanimously approved sending a proposed amendment to the county’s growth management plan to the state for review. The amendment, requested by a developer seeking rezoning, would permit a new residential subdistrict on a former citrus grove currently zoned for agricultural use at 341 Sabal Palm Road.
- May 27 agenda item
- Naples Daily News – “Citrus Grove Could Be Replaced …” (6/3/25)($)
EMS/Fire Station 21
One of 16 fire stations in East Naples is nearing the end of its useful life and no longer meets the needs of the growing Greater Naples Fire/Rescue District. On May 27, the Board approved the purchase of adjacent land for $1.25 million to build a new station without service interruption.
Sale of County Land for Fairground
The Collier Fairgrounds, which is not owned by Collier County, seeks to buy county-owned land on Camp Keais Road to build a permanent fairground. Currently, the Collier Fair Board leases nearby land from the county.
On May 27, commissioners unanimously agreed to begin negotiations for a sale. Any final sale would require Board approval in a future public meeting.
- May 27 agenda item
- Naples Daily News – “Collier County Fairgrounds could soon relocate …” (5/29/25)($)
Tourist Development Tax
To fund the build-out of the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Chairman Saunders proposed raising the Tourist Development Tax (aka Bed Tax) by one cent – subject to voter approval. The bed tax is a surcharge on short-term lodging paid by visitors, not residents, at hotels, vacation rentals, and similar accommodations.
The additional $40-$50 million in revenue would complete the county-owned complex.
Commissioners supported the concept and directed staff to draft ballot language for a possible TDT increase. As of now, there is no indication of public hearings or comment periods planned before a decision is made on placing it before voters.
- May 27 agenda item
- Naples Daily News – “Collier County could raise its tourist tax …” (5/28/25)($)
Collier County School Board
The School Board met on May 21 for a work session on the 2025–26 budget and on June 10 for a regular meeting.
School Impact Fees
As noted in my prior post, current school impact fees are based on a 2015 study. At the June 10 meeting, the Board unanimously voted to ask the BCC to approve a 50% increase—the maximum allowed under state law—based on an updated cost study.
Career Dual Enrollment
Student commitment forms submitted in April show strong interest in expanded dual enrollment through Lorenzo Walker Technical College. This aligns with the District’s plan to revise the educational model at Lorenzo Walker Technical High School—an initiative that generated extensive community input over the past year.
Thanks for reading! I’m beginning my summer break next week. Have a great summer!
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