8/4/26 BoCC Workshop

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners held a budget workshop on August 4, 2026, focusing primarily on the county's general fund and unincorporated MSTU property tax funds. The discussion centered on the first full draft of the county budget, which was presented as a flat budget based on board direction, with a 4.56% increase in the tax base—the lowest in 13 years. Key procurement-related topics included the planned payoff of long-standing general fund debt related to the medical examiner expansion, freeing up $15.3 million annually for potential capital or maintenance projects. The sheriff's office submitted a priority budget request totaling $22 million above their base budget, including a 5% pay adjustment, with funding decisions to be finalized after year-end reserve assessments. The workshop also covered growth revenues, health plan stabilization, and pay adjustments for EMS and other county employees. Commissioners requested additional budget scenarios, including the impact of the rollback millage rate, to be presented at the next workshop on August 19, 2026. No formal budget actions were taken during this session, as it was intended for discussion and planning.