The Island Sand Paper, in our continuing efforts to keep beach residents informed has received information from Town Manager Scott Janke regarding the towns budget. As a community service announcement we are publishing his newsletter, “Town Corner.”

TOWN CORNER

I wanted to provide Islanders with a bit of education regarding the Town's budget. As you may be aware, we are deeply into the Fiscal Year 2010 budget process now. Our fiscal year begins on October 1, 2009 and goes through September 30, 2010.

Everyone is well aware of the current economic conditions affecting our daily lives. The major sources of Town operating funds come from revenue streams that have been diminishing over the last couple of years as property values have decreased. With all of these factors in mind we have worked very hard to develop a budget that maintains an acceptable level of services while also holding property taxes at extremely low levels.

One of the most common concerns I hear from Islanders is that we, the Town, need to reduce taxes during these difficult times. I have attached a few graphic displays to help you understand how little of your tax dollars the Town actually receives. We have historically maintained one of the lowest tax rates in all of Florida while continuing to provide a high level of service. I understand that as a tax payer you look at the bottom line, your total tax bill. However, please take a closer look. In the example we use a $200,000 home that has a homestead exemption to help you understand how much of your tax bill actually goes to the Town of Fort Myers Beach.

Property Taxes – Ft Myers Beach & others
Total 2008 tax bill paid - $3000.08

$200,000 house*                     Taxes paid

School District                               $1,373.60

Lee County                                       834.40

Fire District                                       399.60

SW Florida Water District                    124.80

Town of Ft. Myers Beach               141.86

Public Library                                    103.98

Mosquito Control                                 13.96

West Coast Inland Waterway                 7.88