Fort Myers adopts $894M budget with lower tax rate

Fort Myers City Council on Sept. 15 approved a $894.1 million budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.  

City planners approved a slight property tax cut, adopting a 6.5 millage rate, or $6.50 for every $1,000 of taxable value. The rate, down from 6.5255 last year, marks the 10th straight annual reduction. It is expected to generate $86.2 million in ad valorem taxes, accounting for about 47.1% of the city’s revenue. 

The city’s millage rate has dropped from 8.75 in 2016. During that time, Fort Myers’ property value has grown from $5.5 billion to $13.8 billion.  

The Council adopted the budget through a process of workshops and public input meetings.  

“After a series of City Council budget workshops and public input meetings, we’re thrilled to enter the new fiscal year with a fiscally responsible budget and healthy reserves,” said Chris Tenney, director of financial services. “The budget framework underscores the city’s mission, vision and strategic plan in both the short and long-term without requiring additional tax dollars from residents.” 

The city plans to use reserves of $5.3 million for one-time expenditures including street paving and demolition of the City of Palms Park, leaving $39.4 million in a reserve balance. 

Revenue also comes from other taxes, licenses and permits, intergovernmental revenues, fines and forfeitures, interest income, grants and other miscellaneous income.  

The budget supports the city’s core services and initiatives, including $183.2 million for a general fund, $227.6 million for utilities, $130.5 million for debt service and $164.8 million for capital improvements.  

The budget in part supports a five-year $910.9 million Capital Improvement Program adopted for fiscal years 2026-2030. The program improves city structures, infrastructure, parks and recreation, public safety, stormwater, technology and public utilities. The program budgets $508 million for utility improvements, $140.4 million for public safety, $87.5 million for parks, $92.9 million for infrastructure and $67.8 million for city structures. 

Major projects that the city has budgeted for in 2026 include $1.5 million for McCollum Hall renovation, $12 million for phase one Midtown improvements, $2.1 million for Fire Station 18 and $50 million for a new police department facility.  

Among other budget highlights, the city will spend $866,970 for new employees, including a firefighter, a park ranger, a senior project manager, a fiscal assistant and four facilities management positions.  

Other expenses include a mobility fee study for $150,000, 26 police vehicles on a four-year lease for $439,000 and a citywide camera project for $100,000.