UPDATED | City to hold Town Hall meeting on 2027 budget
Residents will have the opportunity to learn more about the City of Cape Coral’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget at an upcoming town hall.
The Budget Town Hall will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23, in City Council Chambers
According to numbers presented at a June 4 workshop, the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget — an all funds requested budget of $1,504,837,279, with a General, or operating, fund budget of $279,115,077.
The working numbers do not include program modifications from departments
Program modifications include $53,725,025 for total General Fund, and $180,872,958 for all funds.
The budget proposes a millage rate of 5.1471 mills for general operations; a fire service assessment rate at 81% of the cost of operations; an 11% increase in water and sewer rates; a 4.49% increase in stormwater rates, and 5% increase in solid waste rates.
City Spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen said a video will be played in Council Chambers that will provide a brief overview of the proposed budget and will run continuously so attendees can watch it any at time.
“After viewing the video, attendees can visit tables set up in the Council Chamber hallway for each department, where department directors will be available to answer questions and receive feedback,” she said. “Each table will have a one-page summary of that department’s proposed budget.”
Mullen said attendees may share their input by completing a paper survey or by using a QR code to access an online survey.
“The goal of the town hall is to promote transparency and give residents a direct opportunity to speak with department directors about their priorities, questions, and ideas,” she said.
The public will have additional public involvement opportunities during three budget workshops, which have been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4; Tuesday, Aug. 11; and Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 2 p.m. in City Council Chambers.
Cape Coral City Hall is at 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., just north of Nicholas Parkway.
For additional information or for a schedule of city meetings, visit the city’s website at capeoral.gov.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com