9/3/26 First Budget Hearing

The Lee County, Florida Board of County Commissioners held their first budget hearing on September 3, 2026, which included the Board of Port Commissioners convening to discuss and adopt the tentative fiscal year 2026-2027 budgets. The meeting covered the presentation and adoption of the Port Authority's tentative budget, with no additional adjustments proposed beyond previously discussed hangar rate changes. The hearing also addressed the proposed millage rates for various county funds and special taxing units, with percentage increases and decreases relative to rollback rates detailed for each. Public comments were heard regarding budget concerns, including tax impacts and fire district expenditures. The Board discussed wage increases for county and Port Authority staff, including union negotiations related to a proposed 4% raise. Motions to adopt tentative millage resolutions and budgets for the countywide funds, library, unincorporated area MSTU, all hazards protection district, and other special taxing units were passed without objection. The total proposed Lee County budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 was adopted as tentative by the Board.