Fort Myers Beach council adopts FY26 budget, sets millage increase after debate over $9M emergency fund shortfall

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council voted to set the town's final ad valorem millage and adopt the fiscal year 2026 budget after an extensive presentation by staff and public comment.

Finance Director Joe Onczyk presented the staff's final budget and said the council's adopted millage of 1.0294 mills would generate $177,149 in additional ad valorem revenue; staff recommended splitting that amount roughly in half for the emergency reserve and for grant-matching to pursue state appropriations. Council vote outcomes on related motions were recorded as 4-1, with Councilor King opposed to the tax increases.

Why this matters: the council's decision responds to a roughly $9.04 million shortfall in the town's emergency fund tied to post-Hurricane Ian spending. Staff told council that about $12.2 million in FEMA/FDEM reimbursements remain expected but are not guaranteed; without those reimbursements the town faces continued pressure on reserves and cash flow.

Onczyk and Cassandra Penner, the town's budget manager, walked council through the budget changes since the first public hearing. The council had earlier reduced an initial cap suggestion and instructed staff to tighten expenses; staff then…