The Captiva Island Fire Control District has finalized its financial plans for the upcoming year. During its second and final budget hearing on Sept. 25, the commission voted unanimously (3-0) to adopt both the millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2025-26.
Approved Millage Rate & Budget
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Final operating millage rate: 2.2900 mills
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This is 10.36% above the rolled-back rate of 2.0750 mills.
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Final budget: $6,222,541
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Gross taxable value: $1,732,406,518 (certified by the Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office)
Fire Chief Jeff Pawul recommended the 2.2900 mills as an alternative to the initially proposed 2.400 mills. He explained that the slightly lower rate would still cover critical needs, including:
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New staffing positions
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Cushion for potential property acquisitions
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Payment for the new ladder truck
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Step pay increases for staff
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Operational flexibility for future needs
The adjustment results in an additional $200,000 in revenue versus the $400,000 that would have come from the higher tentative rate.
Special Meeting: Exploring Property Needs
Following the budget hearing, the commission held a special meeting focused on long-term infrastructure planning.
Commissioner Jeff Brown and Chief Pawul provided an update on the Rauschenberg property, which the district is evaluating as a potential acquisition.
Key takeaways:
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The district has secured an appraisal of the property.
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Research confirms the district has authority under its charter to purchase land for public safety use.
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Discussions have begun with the district’s bank regarding borrowing options and credit impact.
Brown emphasized that the current fire station is at full capacity and lacks space for future staff or new equipment. He stressed the difficulty of finding suitable land on Captiva:
“There’s just so few locations where we can put another station,” Brown said.
Chief Pawul added that any new station would need to be centrally located. The Rauschenberg property also holds strategic value because:
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It currently serves as a landing zone for medical helicopters.
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It offers space for a training area, which the district has lost in recent years.
Calling it a “one-time opportunity”, Pawul and Brown concluded that moving forward with an offer on the property would be a prudent step for the district’s future.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025-26 budget in place, the Captiva Fire Board is now turning its attention to long-term infrastructure and land needs. The outcome of the Rauschenberg property discussions could play a key role in shaping the future of fire and emergency services on Captiva Island.
