by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Appointments
Council voted to appoint Dorothy Plumb and Ralph Quillen to the Parks and Recreation Committee to serve three-year terms.
Council voted to appoint Bill Fellows, Jeffery Lemma, and Jason Maughan to the Board of Trustees of the General Employees’ Retirement Plan to serve two-year terms.
City/Chamber “Live, Work, Play” Campaign
In April, the City Council authorized the allocation of $50,000 from the General Fund to support a joint national marketing initiative with the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber added $30,000.
The purpose of the initiative is to promote Sanibel as a welcoming destination for tourism, business opportunities, and residential investment.
Chamber President John Lai explained that the campaign is for those who are becoming island residents. To date, it is directed primarily at the Midwest and Northeast markets, as well as Florida, targeting individuals by net worth. It includes a mix of print (Florida Weekly), Social Media (Meta), and paid digital (Google). A board game, “Sanibel” by Elizabeth Hargrave, will be released in 2026
Labor Agreements Ratified
The council ratified labor agreements with the Fraternal Order of Police, representing Sanibel police officers, and with the Fraternal Order of Police, representing Police Sergeants and Police Lieutenants.
The agreements include a 6 percent increase. In addition, health care costs, formerly paid entirely by the City, will now be shared between the City and the employee. “This was truly a negotiation that ended up with an agreement that did neither side harm,” said Council member Richard Johnson.
Council member John Henshaw said, “It was a good compromise. It was contentious from time to time, but that’s how it should be.”
City Manager Dana Souza said it was a professional negotiation on both sides, and the union membership passed the agreements unanimously.
General Employees’ Wage Increases for FY26
General employees’ wage increase will be 6 percent for FY26. Council member Holly Smith suggested changing that to “up to 6 percent at the discretion of the City manager.” Still, City Manager Dana Souza said he was more comfortable with the 6 percent number.
Insurance coverage will remain at 100 percent covered by the City, as a tool for recruitment and retention. Family insurance coverage is 85 percent paid by the City, and 15 percent paid by the employee.
Wage increases for the City of Sanibel’s General Employees are not subject to any collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Sanibel Sewer Rate Increase
The City has maintained the sewer rates for two consecutive years, but this year, FY26, rates will increase by 3 percent. It’s anticipated that FY27 rates will increase by 4 to 4.5 percent. For the average homeowner, this should amount to a quarterly increase of $6.50.
The increase is necessary to cover projected operating and capital costs, ensuring the City’s continued investment in the treatment plant and sewer system, and enabling the system to meet its debt coverage requirements and covenants.
Island Water Association
The Island Water Association Board requested that the City Council appoint a Council Liaison. They denied the request.
The City has previously reduced the number of its liaisons, including to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
“If we do this for IWA,” said Council Member Richard Johnson, “why not do the same for LCEC? We need to be very careful. I’m a little nervous about this.” Council member John Henshaw added, “We’re not the advocates for these groups.”
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