The City of Fort Myers has approved its budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, which will take effect on October 1, 2025. The new budget includes a reduced millage rate of 6.5000, down from last year’s rate of 6.5255. This marks the tenth consecutive year that the city has lowered its millage rate.
At the final public hearing held on September 15, there was no public input regarding the proposed budget. The adopted budget totals $894,114,537 and was developed in line with Florida’s Truth in Millage (TRIM) process. It aims to balance revenues and expenditures while supporting core city services and City Council initiatives.
In addition to the annual operating budget, a five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget of $910,926,485 was also approved for fiscal years 2026-2030. The CIP focuses on projects related to city structures, infrastructure, parks and recreation, public safety, stormwater management, technology upgrades, and public utilities.
“After a series of City Council budget workshops and public input meetings, we’re thrilled to enter the new fiscal year with a fiscally responsible budget and healthy reserves,” said Chris Tenney, Director of Financial Services for the City of Fort Myers. “The budget framework underscores the City’s mission, vision and strategic plan in both the short and long-term without requiring additional tax dollars from residents.”
The city is encouraging residents and stakeholders to stay engaged with its financial operations as it works toward shared municipal goals.
“Through the annual budget process, the goal is to take a planned and programmatic approach to allocating financial resources in the most responsive and efficient manner to meet the needs of our citizens,” said City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson. “Resident feedback is key to helping us shape Fort Myers into a city that remains safe, livable and full of opportunity.”
