Sanibel fire board sets tentative millage rate
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s commission approved the not-to-exceed millage rate and budget hearings for fiscal year 2024-25 during its meeting, along with some resolutions and district policies.
On July 10, the commissioners voted 2-0 to adopt a tentative millage rate of 1.7000, which would exceed the rolled-back rate of 1.3915 mills and result in a tax increase of 22.17% to residents.
Commissioner Jerry Muench abstained as he was attending remotely.
The millage rate can be lowered during the upcoming budget process but not raised.
The budget hearings will be held on Sept. 5 and Sept. 18 at 5:01 p.m.
Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot provided an update on the island’s preliminary property valuations compared to the initial estimates and presented the district’s past budgets and millage rates.
He reported that they were looking at a 1.8% deficit compared to last year based on the early valuations from the property appraiser. However, the preliminary estimates resulted in a positive increase of 1%.
Barbot explained that “uninhabitable” properties as of Jan. 1 cannot be included in the tax roll, so the recent recovery seen in the last six months — especially regarding condos — is not calculated in. According to a report requested from the property appraiser, it was 50-60% of the parcels on Sanibel.
In a presentation, he provided a breakdown of the historical property valuations from fiscal year 2007 through 2024. He noted this year’s minimal increase to about $4.66 million from $4.61 billion last year.
Barbot also gave an overview of the district’s millage rates from 2007 on, including 1.2365 mills in 2022 and 1.4000 mills in 2023. The district made up last year’s deficit through storm grants and more.
“This year, we’re not receiving any grants or assistance to make us whole,” he said.
Barbot outlined the district’s budgets starting in 2007, noting last year’s was near the 2020 budget.
He then provided proposed millage rates for the commission to consider from the rolled-back rate of 1.3915 to 1.7000 in 0.05 increments, including resulting taxable values and ad valorem revenues.
“I think for us to go to 1.7, to a pre-Ian amount, is the smart place to be,” Barbot said.
He reported that 1.7000 is a $300 increase on a $1 million home. He noted that they are in union talks and still working through challenges, so it would give them until September to sort out the budget.
Muench asked if there is the possibility for additional grants.
“On operating expenses and making up the differences, no sir,” he said, adding that the state does understand the ongoing situation and the district will request another appropriations this year.
“But it would not come in until after July 2025,” Barbot said of if the ask is approved.
Questioned if the district would have to tap into its reserves at 1.7000, he reported that it would not.
“I think it’s real important at this point to keep the reserves,” Commissioner Richard McCurry, explaining that the district would be in good shape if another hurricane strikes this season.
Commissioner Bruce Cochrane pointed out that they will have more information available in September and can figure out at that time if they can bring down the millage before approving it.
“I’d rather not put myself in a corner yet,” he said.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The commission voted 2-0 to approve a resolution authorizing the purchase of builder’s risk insurance in the amount of $75,388 from Travelers Insurance. Prior to the vote, Barbot explained that it is required for the Station 172 rebuild because of the federal and state grant funds. It was always included in the project costs, but was not part of the general contractor costs. Travelers had the lowest bid.
– The commission voted 2-0 to approve a resolution to amend the budget for fiscal year 2023-34. It increased the total revenues to about $15,407,670, resulting in an increase of $606,606. The ending fund balance reserve remained the same at $10,555,387.
– The commission voted 2-0 to approve new policies related to: Organizational Structure, Post Incident Analysis, Solicitation of Funds, Limited English Proficiency Services, Liability Claims, Ride Along Program, Grocery Shopping on Duty and Use of District and Personal Property.
– The district has responded to 749 calls this year, compared to 487 for the same period last year.
“We are up 35% from last year,” Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria said.
– The following staff were recognized for their years of service: Capt. Mike Martin for 17 years.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email