Editorial | Time to weigh in
If your property valuation did not dip in the last year, you’re likely looking at a tax increase in Cape Coral.
While the working budget does not propose an increase in the city’s property tax rate of 5.2188 mills or a bump to the 70% cost-recovery levy for fire services, the document for Fiscal Year 2026 contains a 4.7% increase in stormwater rates, a 5% increase in solid waste rates and factors in an 11% increase in water and sewer rates.
It also is shy some $66.5 million in unfunded requests from city departments, giving Cape Coral City Council three options if it opts to fund all or part of those requests — increase the property tax rate, increase the fire service assessment, or increase the 7% public service tax it levies on electric bills in addition to its 3% franchise fee.
We are not going to opine here on the unfunded staff requests. Nor are we going to weigh in on the costs, positions and projects in the $264,339,124. General Fund/ $1,495,767,829 all funds budget City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn has submitted to the Cape Coral City Council.
We will let the process continue to perk for while it may be pretty far along at this point, it is far from over: The city will hold a Town Hall meeting and three budget workshops and two required public hearings before the spending plan for 2026 is passed.
We expect Mr. Ilczyszyn and Council will look closely at the lower-than-expected property valuations numbers released by the Lee County Property Appraiser’s office and take into account Matt Caldwell’s look-ahead for next year.
Meanwhile, the public — Cape Coral property owners, residents, business owners and pretty much anyone else who has any interest — has ample opportunity to weigh in.
We urge you to do so. It’s your money. And you have not a right, but the right, to have a say in how it’s spent.
The Town Hall meeting to discuss the proposed budget will be held Thursday, July 31, at 4 p.m., in City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd.
“The Town Hall will offer a comprehensive overview of the proposed FY26 budget. City officials will outline key priorities, upcoming projects, and funding allocations. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide input and ask questions,” city officials said.
The meeting will be broadcast live on CCTV and available on demand. E-comments may be submitted online.
The budget workshops are set for Aug. 5, 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. in City Council Chambers with hearings to follow.
Make your voices heard.
Breeze editorial