Fort Myers City Council Approved 6.9 Mill Tax Rate
Officials adopted an $890.5 million city budget following a final 5-2 super-majority vote.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in City Hall
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The Fort Myers City Council has approved a property tax rate of 6.9 mills and an $890.5 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The measure passed in a 5-2 vote after Councilman Liston Bochette shifted his vote to secure the required super-majority.
Why it matters
The council reached this decision after determining that previous budget cuts left no further items to remove from the proposal. The super-majority was required because the approved tax rate exceeds the state's rollback threshold.
The new 6.9 mill property tax rate equates to a cost of $6.90 per $1,000 of taxable value. While the total budget was set at $890.5 million, the operating fund budget increased by 5.7% to reach $193.6 million from $183.1 million.
The players
Liston Bochette
He is a Fort Myers City Councilman who provided the necessary vote to reach the required super-majority.
Darla Bonk
She is a Fort Myers City Councilwoman who formally proposed the 6.9 mill property tax rate.
Teresa Watkins Brown
She is a Fort Myers City Councilwoman who seconded the motion for the adopted tax rate.
The details
Councilwoman Darla Bonk proposed the tax rate, with support from Councilwoman Teresa Watkins Brown, following a period of debate. Members ultimately reconsidered an earlier failed motion before finalizing the current package.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: City Council members voted to adopt the new property tax rate and budget.
Political Context
The council's decision is constrained by Florida rollback rate requirements, which mandate a super-majority vote for any tax rate exceeding the prior year's neutral baseline. Critics of the measure may argue that the increase places an unnecessary burden on local property owners despite the council's internal finding that further cuts were unsustainable.
Property owners in Fort Myers will see their tax obligations adjusted based on the new 6.9 mill rate. Residents should prepare for potential changes in city services or capital improvements as the budget is implemented for the coming fiscal year.
The takeaway
This budget approval highlights the difficult balancing act between maintaining city services and managing property tax liabilities. Residents are encouraged to monitor future council agendas for updates on how these funds will be allocated toward local parks and facilities.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Press.
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