The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control district, which is a separate taxing entity from the town of Fort Myers Beach, is expected to approve a 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.
The entire Fire District budget is expected to be about $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…