WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
VOLUME 61, NUMBER 45
Fire board OKs budget, millage rate By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District's commission recently adopted the final millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2023-24 at its second and final budget hearing, as well as held its monthly meeting. On Sept. 20, the commissioners voted unanimously 3-0 to approve an operating rate of 1.400 mills, which exceeds the rolled-back rate of 1.1061 and results in a 26.57% tax increase for residents. The adopted 1.400 will provide the district with about $5,904,905 in proceeds. The board also voted 3-0 to approve a final budget of about $16,225,211 for the new year. The Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office has certified that the gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation in Lee County to the district as $4,217,789,351. See FIRE BOARD, page 18
IslanderInsIde
On-island activities to mark one year since hurricane By TIFFANY REPECKI
S
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
everal island events are planned to commemorate the oneyear anniversary of Hurricane Ian. The city of Sanibel will hold a “Hurricane Ian Sunrise Remembrance” on Sept. 28 at 7 a.m. at the Lighthouse Beach Park. Later in the day, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church will host a “Community Service of Hope” at 3 p.m. at See ACTIVITIES, page 18
See “Hurricane Ian One Year Later” Special Edition Section inside this edition of the Island Reporter. The islands will have several opportunities to mark the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian. SCOTT CRATER
Sanibel library board approves final millage rate and budget By TIFFANY REPECKI
trepecki@breezenewspapers.com
The Sanibel Public Library District's Board of Commissioners recently adopted the final millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2023-24 at its second and final budget hearing.
On Sept. 18, the commissioners voted 5-0 to approve an operating rate of 0.5667 mills — which is greater than the rolled-back rate of 0.3642 by 55.60% and greater than the current year's 0.4150. The commission also voted 5-0 to approve a final budget of $2,390,348 for the new year.
The Lee County Property Appraiser's Office certified that the gross taxable value for operating purposes not exempt from taxation within Lee County to the district as $4,217,789,351. Chair Nicole McHale and Secretary Susan Holly were absent for the hearing.
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