VILLAGE CONNECTION – Village Adopts Budget, Plans For Future Growth

ADOPTION OF FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET

The Village of Estero adopted its budget for the upcoming fiscal year running from Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026 following two public hearings in September. Each year, the Village undertakes a thorough review of community needs and matches these to projects within the Village’s budget.

The annual process includes: planning and studying, Capital Improvement Plan adoption, performance data review, public hearings and budget adoption.

The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Plan focuses on quality of life, beautification, traffic improvements, park improvements, and utility improvements. Projects within the plan are adopted as part of the budget approval process with public input valued.

 

TAXES TO REMAIN LOW

State Shared Revenue projections are stable and increasing slightly, according to the Florida Department of Revenue. The Village maintained its millage rate of 0.73 mills, remaining consistent compared to fiscal year 2024-25. The Village maintains the lowest tax rate in the Southwest Florida region and one of the lowest in the state of Florida.

 

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT

In March 2024, the Village amended its Reserves Policy to retain 50% of general fund budgeted expenditures for an Emergency Reserve, plus 20% of general fund budgeted expenditures for an Operating Reserve, plus a $750,000 Litigation Reserve, and an additional $300,000 Major Road Maintenance Reserve subject to 3% annual increases. Additionally, the Village paid off its remaining debt seven years early, saving over $4 million in interest.

 

BUDGET AWARD

The Village was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2023-24 budget. This award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

A copy of the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget is available virtually at the Village’s website www.estero-fl.gov and at Village Hall – 9401 Corkscrew Palms Circle, Estero, FL 33928.

 

High 5 groundbreaking set for Nov. 14

The Village of Estero and High 5 Entertainment are pleased to announce groundbreaking ceremonies are planned for 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14.

The site work has been completed to allow High 5 to initiate construction. The family entertainment venue is expected to be open in fall 2026. It will include six indoor pickleball courts, 15 outdoor courts, 36 holes of miniature golf, bowling, arcade and more. A scratch kitchen will service both indoor and outdoor dining, and a digital wall in the outdoor social space will allow for large-scale sports broadcasts and “movies in the park” nights.

High 5 Entertainment is the first of multiple family entertainment concepts that will be joining the SportsPark being developed by the Village as part of its Village Center Hub, adjacent to Estero High School off of Williams Road.