At the first of two budget public hearings Wednesday night, the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control district, which is a separate taxing entity from the town of Fort Myers Beach, approved a tentative millage rate of $2.76 per $1,000 of assessed property value for the budget year that begins October 1. That’s down from the current rate of $2.80.
Even with the lower millage rate the Fire District will see over $2 million more in revenue due to higher property values. This year the total taxable value of property within the district was $4.87 billion, which generated $13 million toward the budget. Heading into the next fiscal year the total taxable property will be $5.6 billion, which is expected to generate a little over $15 million.Â
If it receives final approval in 2 weeks, the entire 2026 Fire District budget will total $41.4 million, including $25.6 million in reserves. Expenses are expected to increase next year due to additional employees being hired and the new firehouse on Estero Boulevard opening up. The biggest budget expense is personnel at $14.3 million.Â
There was no public comment at the budget hearing. The second and final hearing will be held September 24th at 5PM at DiamondHead Resort.