8/19/26 BoCC Workshop - Final Draft FY 26/27 Budget

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners held a workshop on August 19, 2026, to review the final draft of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget and discuss legislative policy priorities. The budget discussion focused on property tax revenues, millage rates, and allocations across various county departments, including the sheriff's office, courts, and public safety. Commissioners debated pay raises, with consideration given to a 2.5% to 3% increase for county employees and public safety personnel, balancing fiscal constraints with employee retention. The sheriff's office requested a 5% raise, which was discussed in the context of available funds and staffing levels. The workshop also addressed capital requests, health care costs, and mandated payments to state agencies and cities. A special budget workshop was scheduled to allow dynamic modeling of budget scenarios. Additionally, the board received updates from federal and state lobbyists on ongoing advocacy efforts, including a $200 million federal grant application for the Cape Coral Bridge project, regulatory support for the Fort Myers Beach Water Reclamation Facility, and strategies for the upcoming 2027 state legislative session. The commissioners provided feedback on legislative priorities and appropriations requests, emphasizing the need for strategic advocacy amid anticipated state budget shortfalls. The board planned to finalize the state legislative agenda in October and continue federal engagement into the new congressional session.