by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel City Council held a public budget hearing on September 14, 2026, to continue discussing the City of Sanibel’s fiscal year 2027 budget. The total City budget increased slightly (0.81%) to $187,622,061 from the draft budget presented in August. This is a result of the following Council-directed changes:
• Two police department administrative positions that were eliminated in the prior year were budgeted in the draft fiscal year 2027 budget.
• A 5.0 percent wage increase was added to the budget for general employees. As a reminder, the draft budget included the wage increase for sworn police officers.
• The general fund revenue budget was increased by $11,700 in Recreation donations from an approved award from Kiwanis for fiscal year 2027.
• $206,850 in funding for a coyote study was added to the General Fund Natural Resources budget
• $250,000 in funding to evaluate a town center initiative was added to the General Fund Planning Department budget.
• The Recreation Department budget increased $29,686 to expand operating hours in fiscal year 2027.
• The Building Fund’s budget was increased by $500,000 because of a transfer from the Hurricane Ian Fund to support operations in fiscal year 2027 while the department’s fee structure is being reviewed.
• The Capital Asset Acquisition Fund expenditure budget was reduced by $50,000 in the Police Department.
• The Sewer Fund budget uses of funds were reduced by $1 million. In the draft budget, an error showed the entire $1 million disaster reserve as expended in fiscal year 2026.
Council discussed the money allotted for the coyote study, with Council member John Henshaw suggesting the money might be better spent directly protecting the turtle nests rather than seeking more general information about coyotes.
At the first budget hearing, the City Council must adopt resolutions approving the tentative millage rates (operating and voter-approved debt service) and tentative budget. These are the tax rates and tax levies that will be advertised for consideration of adoption at the final budget hearing.
Council unanimously approved an operating millage rate of 2.5 mills. In a separate resolution, Council unanimously approved the the Fiscal Year 2027 budget of $187,622,061.
A public meeting and hearing will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at MacKenzie Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd., to consider and adopt the final budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027.
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