The first public hearing for the 2026 fiscal budget is less than one week away, Thursday, September 11th at 5PM. The Fort Myers Beach Town Council is considering a 26% increase in the millage rate to help make up a mult-million budget shortfall.
The most important meeting for you to attend if you would like to provide input on the proposed tax increase and 2026 budget is the September 11th meeting. By the second public hearing on September 24th at 5PM most of the proposed changes will be either included or rejected. The 24th hearing is mainly to approve the final document, maybe with a few more minor tweaks. Both hearings will be held at the new Town Hall building at 6231 Estero Boulevard.
If you cannot make the budget public hearings you can share your opinions with the Town Council by e-mail them individually or by e-mailing to council@fmbgov.com which will go to all 5 Town Council members.
The town of Fort Myers beach staff is recommending the Town Council approve a millage rate increase from .99 per $1,000 of assessed property value to $1.25. Council member John King voted against the possible increase. The proposed rate is the ceiling. While the Town Council can decide to come in under 1.25, before their final vote, they cannot go higher. Town Council members have asked staff to go back and sharpen their pencils hoping to bring the proposed increase down some before the first public hearing.
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