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Board adopts FY26‑27 budget after debate; directs RFP for county performance audit
Summary
Commissioners approved the FY26‑27 budget ordinance after debate about fund balance use and tax‑rate strategy; the board directed staff to issue an RFP for a countywide performance audit to inform the next budget cycle.
The county manager (S9) reviewed adjustments to the recommended FY26‑27 budget, including use of fund balance to avoid proposed tax increases and the incorporation of ARPA revenue‑loss funds to cover several items. The manager reported a projected fund balance available for appropriation of approximately $38.9 million at the end of the current fiscal year and said the budget changes will bring the projected available fund balance to roughly $34.9 million.
Commissioners debated whether to restore previous tax increments that staff had proposed, the prudence of using one‑time fund balance for recurring expenses, and the timing and scope of a proposed performance audit. Commissioner Smith (S3) moved to direct staff to put out an RFP for a countywide performance audit to inform the FY27‑28 budget; the motion and an amendment to adjust timing were discussed and accepted.
A motion to approve the budget ordinance for fiscal year 2026–27 with corrected Lee County Athletic Park fees passed by voice vote. Commissioners who opposed relying on fund balance noted the risk of recurring costs borne by one‑time funds, while supporters said providing temporary taxpayer relief this year and using a performance audit to guide next steps was preferable.
The manager also described specific line items: restoring a previously removed 'penny' to debt service would have required less fund balance draw; ARPA revenue‑loss funds would cover certain new expenses; and staff added positions and funding adjustments for EMS and property appraisers as noted in the manager's fiscal summary.
