“Over the course of the year, directed by staff prior to the final budget hearing, we were finding ways to cut the millage,” Chairman Joseph Tiseo said after public comment.
SUN PHOTO BY NICOLE DROEGER
PUNTA GORDA — As the deadline approaches for a final budget, the Charlotte County Commission voted Monday to adopt a reduced millage rate from 6.16 to 6.13.
The operating budget for fiscal year 2027 is $704 million, a 4.92% increase from $671 million in the same period of time.
The operating budget (blue) versus the capital budget (green) over the last five years.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHARLOTTE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Commissioners voted for a $1.2 million change in operating funds, an amount that will return during the final budget hearing Sept. 28.
Each fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.
RATE DECREASE
A millage rate is the rate of tax per thousand dollars of taxable valuable. For example, a house valued at $300,000 would be taxed at $300 multiplied by 6.13, which is $1,839 in ad valorem taxes.
The FY 26 millage rate is 6.04. A home valued at $300,000 currently pays a $1,812 tax per year.
The millage rate does not reflect other county assessments like street drainage and maintenance MSBUs. Other tax bills include the Charlotte County Public Schools District.
The FY 27 capital fund was calculated based on the 20-year sales tax initiative, which will be an extension of the 1% sales tax if approved during November’s election.
“This allows us to use the surplus from the capital projects plan,” Charlotte County Assistant Budget Director Francine Lisby said. “It will allow us to move forward with projects earlier and take advantage of better construction prices.”
Lisby said the county’s debt has declined since its peak in 2008. There was a slight increase in FY 24-25 due to utility debt but is projected to decrease in FY 26-27.
For context, the operating budget in FY 22 was $451 million; $705 million is a 56.1% increase.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell reduced his proposed budget by $7.5 million since the July 23 meeting, where Commissioners voted to tentatively adopt a neutral Sheriff budget of $153 million.
Reductions include removing the requested amount for a replacement patrol vehicle, airframe insurance for the Blackhawk helicopter and jail medical insurance.
“Some of our inmates are getting better healthcare than some of the public,” Prummell said.
PUBLIC CONCERNED
During public comment, multiple residents discussed decreasing taxes and reducing government spending.
Jeffrey Tess addresses the County Commission with concerns about government spending.
SUN PHOTO BY NICOLE DROEGER
Jeffrey Tess said government positions are spending too much money.
“You need to look at what county is buying and why,” Tess said. “Get it under control.”
Jim Fuccillo mentioned seniors living on fixed income.
“Who’s doing anything for people on fixed incomes?” Fuccillo said. “They’re the ones that came here and built this community.”
Fuccillo said the sales tax initiative feels like a bargain.
“I don’t think you need the money,” Fuccillo said. “I think you can get by without it.”
Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch addressed financial concerns.
“We try to listen to what people in our community have to say,” he said. “We’re facing difficult times. I think we do have the courage to face the challenges and the change.”
Deutsch said he wanted to cut $8 to $10 million out of the budget and previously approached the county with potential cuts.
Chairman Joseph Tiseo responded that Deutsch only provided a list that cut $1.2 million out of the tentative budget.
“Every single decision we make in the course of the year is reflected in the budget that all five of us make,” Tiseo said. “On that budget was a millage rate cut, and four voted to cut the rate, one opposed.”
The final budget hearing will take place at 5 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda.