A message from Town Manager Will McKannay - Financial Update and Commitment to Long-Term Resilience

Dear Residents and Friends of Fort Myers Beach,

As your Town Manager, I want to thank you for your continued engagement and support as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of recovery and renewal. I also want to take a moment to address our financial outlook and the recent budget discussions.

Let me begin by assuring you: Fort Myers Beach is financially stable. We are paying our bills, maintaining essential services, and operating with efficiency and accountability. Our staff remains committed to delivering high-quality service to our residents and visitors, and we are proud of the progress we've made together.

Our community has endured five storms over the past three years and faced significant rebuilding challenges. Recovering from repeated storm damage requires upfront funding for emergency response and repairs long before federal reimbursements are received. That reality has prompted discussions about enhancing our reserve fund and saving for appropriation grant matches to better prepare for future emergencies.

Recently, we proposed a modest millage rate increase to begin rebuilding our emergency reserve fund-a critical financial safeguard that has supported necessary recovery projects. While the proposed increase did not pass, and we respect that decision, the need to rebuild our reserves remains. We will continue to explore responsible and transparent ways to strengthen our financial foundation without compromising the services you rely on.

We maintain the capacity to respond to another emergency today if necessary. Establishing and growing a reserve fund is a prudent first line of defense that will improve our resiliency going forward. The Town will proceed with the recently adopted rate adjustments and will make modifications as needed in the event of an emergency. We fully expect reimbursement from FEMA and other state and federal programs for eligible recovery expenses that have already been incurred.

We remain committed to:

• Providing essential services to residents and visitors
• Operating efficiently and effectively across all departments
• Planning strategically for long-term resilience
• Maintaining transparency and accountability in all financial matters

Our Town has weathered extraordinary challenges-with strength, unity, and purpose. As we move forward, we will continue to make thoughtful decisions that protect our future and preserve the quality of life we all cherish.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in Fort Myers Beach.