Lee County revenue estimate rises; commissioners consider restoring EMS positions, pay increases and growth-fund changes

Lee County commissioners were told updated property-tax valuation estimates on July 1 increased projected revenues enough to eliminate a previously forecast general-fund shortfall, and staff proposed using the new capacity to revive several items that had been unfunded, including a 14-position emergency medical services (EMS) growth plan.

Pete Winton, county staff, told commissioners the June 1 preliminary tax-base estimate for the general fund rose from a 4.84% projection to an 8.17% estimate on July 1 and that "the deficits that we were experiencing on June 17, of course, went away because of this." He presented a list of recommended additions totaling about $6.9 million that could be restored before year-end and left room to model a pay adjustment for county employees.

The proposed restorations included the county's EMS growth plan, which Winton said would add 14 positions and provide additional funding for the Tree Line EMS station; funding for the Kykuit Preserve berm portion the county is responsible for as part of a water-resources project; 10 Mile Canal South improvements intended to improve water flow; shade structures at 3 Oaks Park;…