Fire Commissioners adopt 2011-12 budget
Two weeks after proposing a tentative millage rate of 2.5820 mils -0.0020 higher than the current millage rate- the Fort Myers Beach Board of Fire Commissioners was presented with a welcome surprise. Chief Mike Becker and Finance Director Jane Thompson had reworked the proposal and presented a rate of 2.5700 – 0.01 lower than the current rate – a rate praised by the board.
The Fire Board adopted the millage rate of 2.5700 and budget amount of $13,674,028, which was $149,994 less than the tentative budget amount. The millage rate is lower than the tentative millage rate of 2.5820 mils set three weeks ago and Truth in Millage Rate (TRIM) of 2.6900 mils set in late July.
In a time where neighboring communities are levying furloughs on their fire fighters, Fort Myers Beach is able to come in with a lower proposed rate that will save tax payers money while still allowing for “Business as Usual” in the Fort Myers Beach Fire District.
Only one person was present for public comment, citing concern that the board was going to be dipping into the reserves for approximately $500,000 to cover operating costs.
“I’m proud of what we have done,” said Board Chairperson Carol Morris. “This is the budget, but that doesn’t mean we should be spending just because it’s in the budget. Some people say, oh well, if it’s in the budget we should spend it. No. If we can tighten that budget throughout the year, we should be doing that.”
Commissioner David Broward agreed.
“The Millage rate is less than last year and that’s despite decreased property values,” he said. “It’s decreased every time we’ve looked at it. It started at 2.69 (mils) and now we’re down to 2.57.”
The Fire Board unanimously approved the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12, which begins Oct. 1, 2011 and ends Sept. 30, 2012.
“Revenue is $8.1 million and expenditures are still almost $8.7 million. We’re getting closer. Eventually and hopefully we’ll turn that without increasing the millage rate,” said Commissioner Ted Schindler. “Kudos to Jane and the chief for good work on this.”