It’s official.

The state Senate passed Estero’s incorporation bill last week, pushing the fledging village one-step closer to cityhood.

Now the fate of Estero’s incorporation lies in the hands of Gov. Rick Scott to sign the bill, which may happen as early as next month.

Then a resolution must be adopted by the Lee County Commission. This resolution contains the ballot language that is submitted to the Lee County Supervisor of Elections.  After that it will be placed on the November 4, 2014 ballot.

Take a look at the events leading up to Estero’s incorporation

The measure (HB 1373), sponsored by Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, will create a mechanism for incorporation, including boundaries and allowing the community to put the issue on ballot, says the Naples Daily News.

“We’re elated to hear it,” said Nick Batos, chairman of the Estero Council of Community Leaders. “It’s been a long process, and it’s great to see the delegation and the governor have given Estero the right to make the decision whether we want to incorporate or not.”

Batos says he thinks Estero residents are proud of the community they’ve developed and glad it’s being given the recognition it deserves.

“From the time we started this, I believed it was something that was going to happen,” Batos said. “The people in Estero, I believe for years now, have been proud of the community that is developing.”

If voters approve the referendum, the village of Estero will be created on Dec. 31, just in time for the New Year.

Incorporation workshops

The Estero Council of Community Leaders has been conducting detailed Incorporation Workshops for all Estero residents interested in learning more about the process.

The next one will be on May 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd.

Attendees will learn about the economic feasibility of a Village of Estero, the form of government, what the districts would be, the impact of future growth and why residents would want to vote for incorporation.

These workshops will provide new information about the incorporation process, as well as allow residents an opportunity to ask any questions they may have.  Organizations or communities wanting individual workshops may contact John Goodrich at johnbarbgoodrich@comcast.net.