Commissioners ask staff to seek funds to cover ~$2.5–3M shortfall for two storm‑damaged fire station rebuilds

Commissioners on April 7 directed staff to explore options to cover a funding gap of roughly $2.5–3 million across two post‑storm fire station rebuild projects (Sanibel and St. James). County officials and the chiefs for the Matlacha‑Pine Island Fire Control District and other local departments said designs, permits and contracts are in place, but bids and inflation left the projects short of the funds needed to start construction.

Commissioner Wayne noted the projects are priority public‑safety investments in storm‑damaged areas and asked staff to look for alternatives, emphasizing that awarded contracts could expire if additional funds are not identified quickly. Chief Benjamin Mickuleit confirmed his district is ready to move forward pending funding. The board did not award new funds at the meeting; instead it asked staff to identify funding options that could bridge the shortfall so both stations can proceed.

Staff described the shortfall as primarily a result of inflation and the timing of bids that were estimated years earlier; they said some DR accounts could shift if projects fall out of the program but indicated uncertainty. Commissioners asked for rapid follow‑up given project readiness and public‑safety implications.