Council Establishes Priorities for 2026

On January 12, 2026, the Marco Island City Council held a priorities workshop led by Interim City Manager Dr. Casey Lucius to identify the City’s key goals for the coming year. The discussion focused on financial sustainability, infrastructure needs, and long-term planning. By the end of the workshop, council members agreed on six priorities to guide policy decisions in 2026.

Priority 1: Identify Alternative and Diverse Revenue Sources

Council agreed that the City must broaden its revenue base to address rising costs and future infrastructure demands. Ideas discussed included seeking increased funding from the Tourist Development Council, implementing an LCEC franchise fee, introducing paid parking at South Marco Beach to capture revenue from day-trippers, exploring a toll on the Jolley Bridge, establishing registration fees for short-term rentals, and working to reinstate the 1% county sales tax.

Priority 2: Infrastructure Bond Revenue

Council identified a potential bond initiative as a key mechanism for funding major capital projects. Vice-Chair Champagne emphasized the need for transparency with voters, noting that the City may need to raise up to $100 million over the next ten years to meet infrastructure needs. Discussion included anticipated costs for bridge maintenance and repairs, and how much funding might be available from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) versus the City’s own obligations.

Priority 3: Level of Service (LOS) Compliance

Council addressed the City’s failure to complete its legally required annual Level of Service (LOS) study since 2012. LOS studies assess whether public infrastructure can adequately support existing and future development.

The City is currently conducting a transportation LOS study, which could have significant implications. Updated LOS standards may affect impact fees, development approvals, and allowable density on Marco Island. Council Member Deb Henry questioned whether the City was asking questions it may not want the answers to, acknowledging the potential consequences of long-overdue compliance.

Priority 4: Review of Parks and Old Marco Master Plans

The City previously hired an outside consulting firm to develop master plans for Marco Island’s parks and Old Marco. To date, very few of the recommendations in those plans have been implemented. Council agreed that the plans should be reviewed to determine which recommendations should proceed, be modified, or be set aside.

Priority 5: Improve Grant Planning, Tracking, and Management

Council acknowledged that Marco Island has lost grant funding in the past due to missed deadlines, inadequate tracking, and insufficient matching funds. Dr. Lucius noted that the City has often selected projects based on available grant opportunities rather than identifying priority projects first.

She recommended reversing that approach by fully funding priority projects locally and treating grant funding as a supplement rather than a requirement. Dr. Lucius also emphasized the need for improved staff training and dedication to managing grants effectively.

Priority 6: Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT)

Council reaffirmed its commitment to exploring Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) to improve water quality around Marco Island.

The City is awaiting a comprehensive study from Black and Veatch, expected in April, which will outline treatment options, projected costs, and long-term operational impacts.

Chair Palumbo suggested that the Council consider moving forward without requiring a citizen-led referendum, stating that residents support AWT and that he believes a referendum would likely pass.