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Fort Myers staff outlines $297 million in new 2026 capital projects, warns of $170 million in new debt service
Summary
City staff presented a draft FY2026 capital improvement program and debt plan that adds about $297.4 million in new projects for 2026 and contemplates roughly $170 million in new borrowing for police headquarters and other large projects, which would add millions in annual debt service beginning in 2027.
City Manager and finance staff presented a draft Fiscal Year 2026 capital improvement program (CIP) and debt plan at a Fort Myers City Council retreat, outlining new projects, proposed bond sales and the near-term budget implications.
The presentation listed about $297,400,000 in projects being added for 2026, including a planned $50,000,000 allocation for new police department facilities, $2,100,000 for Fire Station 18, capital dollars for parks and recreation projects, and substantial utility plant work such as central wastewater upgrades and reclaimed-water work. Finance staff said a new five‑year CIP will be adopted at an upcoming council meeting.
Why it matters: staff told council the city is preparing to issue new debt for high‑cost projects and that the additional borrowing will materially increase the city’s annual debt service. The presentation said a combination of a general obligation bond program (up to $75 million of geo bonds identified for parks and related projects) and…
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