Lee County commissioners weigh budget cuts ahead of November property tax vote

LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lee County commissioners are already thinking ahead about what a potential property tax cut could mean for the county's future budget.

While the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget will not be impacted, on Tuesday afternoon, commissioners held a workshop to weigh their options if a property tax measure on the November general election ballot passes.

One of the biggest concerns raised was the impact on emergency response times.

"We have over 4000 employees here. You're probably talking at 800 to 1000 employees. So, if the average ambulance time is two minutes, it might be 10, 12, 15. And what I have to have in my conscience is that person's family member that's in that ambulance. And what happens if they don't get to the hospital in time?" said District 1 Commissioner Kevin Ruane.

Commissioners also discussed where property owners could end up paying more if cuts are made.

"I would love to know what millage rate you would have to charge to the non-homesteaded properties in order to try to make up the difference," said Commissioner Brian Hamman of District 4.

Ruane made clear that a statewide solution will not work for every county.

"Tallahassee did this in 24 hours, and they came up with a solution that fits the entire state, all cities, all counties, all special districts, which, when you think about, is impossible. So you and I have different households. We have different ways of paying for a household. How do you give us the same cut to make? It's just difficult," Ruane said.

When it comes to what options the county may consider, Ruane laid out what could be on the table.

"It'll probably be additional service fees. It'll be reductions in service. There'll probably be increasing millage rate. As you show up in the board, there's probably going to be six or seven options and we're trying to look at what is going to be our options available to us," Ruane said.

No decisions have been made yet, and commissioners expect more discussions to follow after the November general election.