by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel City Council, by a 5-0 vote, set the proposed millage rate for 2026 at 2.5, the same as the 2025 rate.
“We’re moving into the first part of the budget process for fiscal year 2026,” said Steve Chaipel, Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer.
A budget workshop will follow on August 12, with hearings on September 8 and September 25, all in MacKenzie Hall.
“The City is legally required to adopt a balanced budget by September 30,” Chaipel added.
The draft 2026 total budget is $216,164,163, compared to the 2025 budget of $233,208,969.
Millage is a tax rate defined as the dollars assessed for each $1,000 of property value. One mill is equivalent to $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.