Fiscal Responsibility & Beach Management: CEPD Adopts Tentative Rolled-Back Millage Rate

Important administrative and fiscal updates are taking shape on Captiva Island. At its July 21 meeting, the board of commissioners for the Captiva Erosion Prevention District.

(CEPD) voted unanimously 5-0 to adopt a proposed operating millage rate of 0.3517 mills for fiscal year 2026–2027.

This approved rate equals the rolled-back rate, reflecting a conservative fiscal posture. Under Florida statutory guidelines, setting a maximum rate ensures the tax levy cannot increase during upcoming public hearings, though the commission retains full authority to lower it before final budget adoption.

At the LeAneSuarezGroup, we keep a close watch on local special district governance. Transparent municipal oversight, prudent beach nourishment planning, and proactive coastal management are vital to protecting the long-term value and shoreline resilience of Captiva Island real estate.

Key Budget Hearings Scheduled: The CEPD set its first formal budget hearing for Sept. 9 at 1:00 PM and its second, final hearing for Sept. 14 at 5:01 PM.

Debating the Rate: Board Perspectives on Fiscal Strategy

The board evaluated four tax structure scenarios presented by CEPD Office Manager Lisa Batchelor: the rolled-back rate (0.3517), the current fiscal year rate (0.3740), a 110% rolled-back option (0.3869), and the statutory cap of 0.5000 mills.

                    CEPD MILLAGE RATE OPTIONS CONSIDERED
  
  [ OPTION 1 ] ──► Rolled-Back Rate: 0.3517 mills (ADOPTED 5-0)
  [ OPTION 2 ] ──► Current Fiscal Rate: 0.3740 mills
  [ OPTION 3 ] ──► 110% Rolled-Back Rate: 0.3869 mills (Failed 3-2 vote)
  [ OPTION 4 ] ──► Statutory Cap: 0.5000 mills

Board members held differing viewpoints before arriving at a consensus:

• Flexibility vs. Belt-Tightening: Treasurer Bernie Dupre and Secretary Timothy McGowan initially favored setting the tentative cap higher at 0.3869 mills to maintain budget flexibility for ongoing beach projects, noting the rate could be lowered later.

• A Conservative Approach: Commissioners John Wade and Rene Miville advocated starting at the lower 0.3517 rolled-back rate, citing upcoming beach renourishment apportionment costs and the need to practice fiscal discipline.

• The Final Outcome: An initial motion for 0.3869 mills failed in a 3-2 vote (requiring a supermajority of 4 votes). The board then voted 5-0 to approve the conservative 0.3517 rolled-back rate.

Grant Extension Secured for Invasive Species Control

The commission also addressed invasive species management across the island. The CEPD previously received a $500,000 grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) designated for iguana mitigation and Australian pine removal.

Although the grant’s original timeline expired June 30 with funds remaining, an official extension has been granted through Sept. 15. The CEPD’s legislative advocacy team at The Southern Group is working directly with the FWC to reallocate unspent funds so iguana control services can continue without interruption. The commission voted 4-0 to utilize those funds upon state clearance.

Operational Contracts & Policy Actions

In additional district business, the commission voted on several operational and maintenance contracts: