Budget Workshop Looks at List of Needs and Funding Options

Marco Island City Council’s budget workshop focused on a difficult reality: the City has a growing list of capital needs, but no current funding source for many of them. That challenge is further complicated by the possibility of property tax reform at the state level, which could leave even more questions about future municipal revenue.

City Manager Dr. Casey Lucius said rising costs for liability insurance, health insurance, pension contributions and other operating expenses leave no additional revenue for new capital projects. She described the capital requests as a “wish list” of needs that are not necessarily emergencies today but could become more expensive if delayed. Funding them would require a millage increase, use of reserves, or cuts elsewhere. She also said each department has already been asked to cut five percent from its operating budget.

Marco Island Fire and Rescue is not seeking capital funds this year, but Fire Chief Chris Byrne said the department will need major commitments in Fiscal Year 2027, including a $2.4 million ladder truck replacement and another aging fire engine replacement.

Public Works Director Justin Martin outlined $6.3 million in proposed Fiscal Year 2027 capital projects, including street resurfacing, bike lane and shared path construction, the Caxambas Court bridge project, and citywide drainage outfall improvements.

Lucius repeatedly emphasized that many of the projects discussed are currently unfunded. If the transportation bond passes in August, it could free up reserves that may help fund some of the City’s priority needs.