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Bonita Springs adopts preliminary millage of 0.8470, approves stormwater fee after clean audit
Summary
Bonita Springs council received a clean audit for the year ending 09/30/2025 and approved a preliminary millage rate of 0.8470. The council also adopted an annual stormwater assessment fee by a 6–1 vote; Deputy Mayor Purdon voted no.
The Bonita Springs City Council on a July meeting adopted a preliminary millage rate of 0.8470 and voted 6–1 to establish the fiscal year 2026–27 annual stormwater assessment fee after receiving an independent audit that yielded a clean opinion.
The city’s independent auditor, Jeff Brown of Ashley Brown & Smith, told the council the financial statements “present fairly in all material respects” and described the audit opinion as “a clean opinion,” noting no reportable findings or questioned costs. Brown also highlighted a roughly $3.2 million positive variance between the general fund final budget and actual expenditures.
Finance Director Lisa Roth reviewed the May financial report and the FY26–27 budget calendar, telling the council that the preliminary millage vote is the first of three required under Florida law and that later meetings (Sept. 9 and Sept. 23) will include additional public hearings and the option to lower but not increase the rate. Roth also outlined restricted revenue streams such as building-permit fees and impact fees that must be used for specified capital projects.
Council members debated budget posture and ways to balance operating needs against capital investments. After discussion, the body moved and seconded a motion to adopt the preliminary millage at the prior year rate; a roll-call vote carried the motion in compliance with Florida TRIM requirements.
On the stormwater assessment, staff explained the legal process required to increase the fee in future years—an expanded study and public-notice campaign—and council members asked about whether a cap or other limits should be considered. The resolution establishing the FY26–27 stormwater fee passed 6–1; Deputy Mayor Purdon cast the sole no vote.
The council’s adoption of the preliminary millage and the stormwater assessment sets the maximum tax rate and the utility assessment for the year; both items will be revisited at subsequent public hearings before final adoption. The audit, Roth said, will be used to update unassigned fund balance numbers and inform budget adjustments.
The council will continue budget discussions in the August meetings leading to final votes in September.
