The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District\u2019s commission approved the not-to-exceed millage rate and budget hearings for fiscal year 2026-27 at its meeting, as well as reviewed the chief\u2019s annual performance.<\/p>\n
On July 8, the commissioners voted 2-0 on a resolution to adopt a tentative millage rate of 1.3915 mills, which exceeds the rolled-back rate of 1.3016 mills, resulting in a tax increase of 6.91%.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Jerry Muench was attending remotely, so he could not vote.<\/p>\n
The millage rate can be lowered during the upcoming budget process but not raised.<\/p>\n
The budget hearings will be held on Sept. 9 and Sept. 21 at 5:01 p.m.<\/p>\n
Prior to the vote, Fire Chief Kevin Barbot provided an update on the preliminary property valuations compared to the initial estimates. He reported that the millage for the current fiscal year is 1.3915.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a lot of unknowns,\u201d he said, pointing in particular to the property tax relief bill that would increase the homestead exemption if the amendment is approved by Florida voters in November.<\/p>\n
Barbot continued that in working on the upcoming budget, the question was also how to gauge and adjust for the year-over-year inflation, wage increases, rise in operational expenses and more. So they used the recent tax values for 2027 and 2028, plus accounted for a homestead change for both years.<\/p>\n
They did a 3% adjustment for personnel services, added 8% for operational expenses like repairs and fuel, and added 10% for health insurance as the county advised him to plan for a potential increase.<\/p>\n
Asked by the commission, he recommended sticking with the current 1.3915 mills.<\/p>\n
Barbot reported that it would increase the proposed budget by 6.91%.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe not-to-exceed is the max millage that we can set before our budget hearings,\u201d he added, reminding the commissioners that they can then lower the rate during the budget process.<\/p>\n
Muench suggested following the chief\u2019s recommendation and the motion was made.<\/p>\n
Also during the meeting, the commission conducted its annual performance review for Barbot.<\/p>\n
Muench praised his work over the last year, as well as his prior years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t say enough how lucky we are to have him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Commissioner Bruce Cochrane reported that he is \u201cvery pleased\u201d with the chief\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s done an unbelievable job, despite the tough challenges,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s put together a great staff. He\u2019s an excellent leader.\u201d<\/p>\n
Commissioner Richard McCurry voiced agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mirror what these guys said,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Barbot thanked the commissioners. He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude for his support staff, explaining that he could not do the job that he is doing if he did not have such a great team.<\/p>\n
IN OTHER NEWS<\/p>\n
\u2013 Deputy Fire Chief John DiMaria reported that the district responded to 939 calls in June, compared to 952 calls for the same month last year. It has responded to 142 calls this year, compared to 110 calls for the same time period for 2025.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Division Chief of Prevention Larry Williams reported that he conducted 26 fire plan reviews and 139 fire inspections in June.<\/p>\n
\u2013 The following staff were recognized for their years of service: Capt. Mike Martin for 19 years.<\/p>\n