Village Connection – Get Involved in the Budget Process

Big Improvements Considered

Bicycle and pedestrian safety, traffic and landscaping improvements for River Ranch Road and Corkscrew Road will be considered. These projects, along with many others, are adopted or declined as part of the budget approval process. Public input is encouraged!

 

Taxes to Remain Low

Although revenue projections remain uncertain due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Village has budgeted for such “rainy days” and will not raise taxes for this coming year. The Village tax rate is the lowest in the Southwest Florida region.

 

Responsible Government

The Village retains 12 months of operating expenses in reserves (highest rate in Southwest Florida), as well as reserves for litigation and road maintenance. Additionally, funds remain in a debt prepayment account, with the goal of paying off Village land purchase debt early. This is implemented by a small staff of employees, which is the leanest staff in the Southwest Florida region.

 

Budgeting with a Purpose

Each year, the Village undertakes a thorough review of community needs and matches these to projects within the Village’s budget. The annual process can be summarized, as follows:

 

Upcoming Budget Meetings:

Sept. 9 at 5:30 pm — Tentative budget hearing including tax rate vote

Sept. 22 at 5:30 pm — Final budget hearing including tax rate vote

Attend live: Village Council Chambers, 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle. Masks will be offered and seating will be limited.

Attend virtually: www.estero-fl.gov. Virtual comment cards are available on our website, so your voice can still be heard.