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Council sets proposed millage at 5.1988 mills; one councilor votes no
Summary
Deputy financial director presented a proposed not-to-exceed millage of 5.1988 mills for FY2027; the council set hearing dates and a 7-1 vote approved the rate designation, with Council member Donnell recorded as the lone no vote.
The Cape Coral City Council on July 22 approved a proposed not‑to‑exceed millage rate of 5.1988 mills for general operations and 0.1554 mills for parks debt service, setting the required public hearings in September.
Deputy Financial Services Director Nicole Raitler presented the rollback calculation and explained the proposed budget implications: the manager’s proposed general-fund budget totaled $285,012,674 and personnel services accounted for 57.11% of the general fund. Raitler also explained the schedule for required Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices and two public hearings scheduled for September.
Public commenters pressed for transparency about bond-escrow interest and whether interest earned on debt-service escrow accounts should reduce the millage used for debt service. After discussion, the council voted 7-1 to set the proposed millage (Council member Donnell cast the lone no vote). Councilmembers debated how much to set the not‑to‑exceed rate above the rollback to preserve fiscal flexibility; one member said raising to the rollback amount would reduce the risk of making deeper service cuts if revenue projections fall.
What’s next: Final millage and the adopted budget will be considered at the September public hearings and must be adopted before the fiscal year begins.
