Cape Coral budget workshops begin, residents demand infrastructure focus

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK)— Cape Coral residents are getting their first look at how their tax dollars could be spent next year as city council kicked off discussions on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget.

City leaders held their first workshop Wednesday, kicking off weeks of discussions before council votes on a final budget later this year. Neighbors shared their priorities for where they'd like to see the city invest.

Robert Buntin, a park goer, questioned the city's spending priorities.

"I don't understand how this city's got a budget that's so exorbitantly high compared to Fort Myers when we don't have nearly the infrastructure that Fort Myers does as well," Buntin said.

For a city built around canals, Buntin believes improving boating access should be a priority. He pointed out the limited options currently available to residents.

"It'd be nice to have one more than one boat ramp available besides Ever. Again, as a city that prides itself on all the canals. There's no there's no boating access," Buntin said.

City leaders say this is only the beginning of the budget process, and people are eager for more new additions. Ana Sztancsa, another park goer, expressed her desire for better recreational options.

"You don't know where to go the beach is to far away I love Cape Coral because there's a lot of water. I have a boat, so I like this this environment. Everybody's happy and have fun," Sztancsa said.

Dave Arenz emphasized the need to focus on necessities before major projects. He specifically mentioned improvements near the yacht club that have been delayed since the hurricane.

"Some of the improvements around the yacht club we live close to yacht and have been waiting now since the hurricane for that improvement," Arenz said.

The city is hosting budget workshops next month. Tentative and final budget votes are expected in September, giving residents several more chances to weigh in before the budget is finalized.