Marco Island council adopts FY2027 millage and budget; operating rate set at 1.2670 mills

The City of Marco Island adopted its FY2027 millage rate and city budget during public hearings on Sept. 22. Staff presented the required TRIM disclosures and recommended a proposed operating millage rate of 1.2670 mills; after no public speakers on the item, councilor Schwan moved adoption and the council approved the millage and the budget by roll call.

“Section 200.065 of the Florida Statutes governs the budget adoption process,” staff told the council while reading the millage resolution into the record. The staff presentation said the fiscal year 2027 budget is balanced and that the proposed millage equals the rollback rate used to support general operations. Chair Palumbo noted the council has spent “hundreds of hours” in workshops and with department heads preparing the final votes.

Why it matters: the millage rate establishes the ad valorem tax levy used to fund general operations, debt service and capital needs. The council also approved allied resolutions for the Hideaway Beach Special Taxing District—setting a 1.600‑mill levy—and the full city budget. Each vote was recorded by roll call and passed unanimously. The approvals allow staff to move forward with implementation steps and later identify specific capital projects for bond financing or pay‑as‑you‑go funding.

Council and staff said the TRIM notices were published in the Naples Daily News and that the final millage cannot exceed the tentative rate advertised at the first hearing. Councilors emphasized the volume of staff work behind the quick votes. The council will return in early 2027 with additional budget scheduling and project‑level approvals as funds are allocated.