Council approves preliminary assessments, sets not‑to‑exceed millage; solid waste, fire and stormwater increases advance

The Cape Coral City Council on July 23 adopted a set of preliminary assessments and budget actions tied to the fiscal‑year 2026 budget and set a not‑to‑exceed millage rate for the city’s general fund.

Key approvals and votes

- Lot mowing (Resolution 204‑25): Council approved the annual lot‑mowing assessment rates for four districts used to fund mowing, invasive vegetation removal and burrowing‑owl trimming for approximately 31,000 parcels. Staff said District 1’s per‑lot rate declines after last year’s supplemental debris funding tied to Hurricane Ian, while Districts 2–4 see modest increases tied to contract cost rises. Vote: 8–0 in favor.

- Solid waste assessment (Resolution 205‑25): Council approved the proposed solid‑waste assessment for FY2026. Staff described components including Waste Pro contract CPI adjustments, Lee County tipping‑fee increases and a policy decision to build restricted reserves in the solid‑waste fund to stand up to future debris and contract shocks. The proposed adjustment increased the annual assessment by $38.49 over the prior year; staff said the change will create an estimated restricted fund balance of about $26.5 million by 09/30/2026. Public commenters criticized building the reserve and questioned whether the city…