Captiva fire board approves final millage rate, budget
The Captiva Island Fire Control District’s commission adopted the final millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2025-26 during its second and final budget hearing, plus held a special meeting.
On Sept. 25, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to approve an operating millage rate of 2.2900 mills, which is 10.36% above the rolled-back rate of 2.0750 mills.
The commission also voted 3-0 to approve a final budget of $6,222,541 for the fiscal year.
The Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office has certified the gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation within the county to the district as $1,732,406,518.
Prior to the votes, Fire Chief Jeff Pawul presented the proposed final millage of 2.2900 mills as an alternative to the tentative 2.400 mills that the commissioners approved at their first hearing.
He confirmed that the 2.2900 mills would still provide for the new staffing positions, cushion for any possible property acquisition, payment of the new ladder truck, staff step pay increases and more.
Pawul reported that the difference would be an extra $200,000 versus $400,000.
SPECIAL MEETING
After the budget hearing, the commission held a special meeting.
Pawul and Commissioner Jeff Brown provided an update on the Rauschenberg property.
Brown reported that as part of the district’s fact finding and due diligence into the land, they have secured services for an appraisal of the parcels. They also researched what the district is permitted to purchase under its charter, and it does have the authority to acquire property for public safety use.
He continued that they contacted their bank about borrowing and potential credit impact.
Brown added that they also did an analysis on the life expectancy of the current sole station and it is maxed out. He explained that if the district ever needs or wants to expand beyond its current staff levels, or if it needs additional room for new equipment, there is no space to provide for the changes.
“There’s just so few locations where we can put another station,” Brown added.
Pawul echoed what Brown shared in the update, noting that a new station would also have to be centrally located on the island to work. He added that available land is few and far between.
“This is a one-time opportunity,” Pawul said of the Rauschenberg property.
He also reiterated that the district will need a landing zone for the medical helicopter, which a part of the Rauschenberg property currently serves as. It could also use a training area, since that is gone.
“So we looked at these various scenarios,” Brown concluded for the other commissioners. “We think it’s prudent to go forward and put in an offer.”
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email