Growing Cape Coral faces tough choices to fund public safety

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)— The Cape Coral City Manager presented options to the council for fully funding police and fire growth needs for fiscal year 2027, but it could present a $12.9 million gap.

City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn sent out a memo on Friday presenting two possible paths forward. A spokesperson with the City of Cape Coral says the memo comes after City Council asked staff to draw up a budget that would fully fund the things fire and police are asking for when it comes to projected growth in fiscal year 2027.

One option could be creating new recurring revenue through adjusting assessments, fees or taxes.

Another option is shifting city dollars. The memo cites possible areas that could see cuts are quality of life programs like the 311 call center or athletic programs. Without any new revenue, the city would have to figure out how to close the gap.

One Cape Coral resident said he doesn't think any departments' budgets should increase until after November, when the proposed state-wide property tax reductions are voted on.

"I think it needs to wait till after November, and we see what the voters say about tax, tax reductions," Wes Owen said.

When it comes to that vote in November, Cape Coral Council Member Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said the City Council is taking that into consideration as they go through the coming years' budgets.

"We look at that three to five years out, so that we know what our decisions today are going to affect long term," Nelson-Lastra said. "We really need to come together, be an innovative group, and develop ideas, and some reductions, and some increases in revenue to be able to accommodate this potential change."

The city says the next major discussion is expected at Cape Coral's budget meeting on July 15, where council members will continue reviewing their options.