Thursday, November 12, 2026
Councilor Rene Champagne presented a listof CIP projects that need attention, along with estimated costs, which are not currently budgeted. Local bridge replacements were number one on the list.
City Manager Mike McNees described the state of the Winterberry Beach Boardwalk.
Samantha Malloy, Manager Parks, Recreation and Culture, was recognized for her 15 years of service to the city. McNees pointed out that Malloy started in 2010 as a payroll coordinator, was promoted to community event coordinator in 2013 and in 2017, promoted to manager of parks, culture and recreation. “Samantha is a tremendous asset to the community,” said McNees.
City Lobbyist to Florida, Ronald Book, gave a “state of the state” address to Council.
City Council approved a tentative millage rate of 1.2670 at the Monday, September 8th Council Meeting. Originally slated at 1.2400, staff recommended a tentative millage increase to 1.2670 to fund the Winterberry Beach Boardwalk Project. Assistant Manager Casey Lucius explained that approving the 1.2670 millage is tentative and can be reduced - but not increased - during the second budget hearing slated for September 22nd.
City Manager Mike McNees described the boardwalk’s condition. “We’ve been piecing together patches for that boardwalk now for a couple of years, seeking funding to have it replaced.” He went on to explain that in the next year or two, it is going to have to be replaced, “and if it gets any more storm damage, that need will be immediate.”
“Our facilities manager had his eye on it throughout continuously, and we've made some what I would call stopgap repairs,” said McNees. “We've had it examined by a structural engineer to make sure that those stopgap repairs are sufficient.” He goes on to say, “Over time, we'll probably spend more than we would have spent replacing it.”
Liability and safety became a point of discussion. McNees said, “I would add to that we could replace only the broken parts, but it's the foundational parts where it's compromised.”
Lucius provided some visual context to Council. “I would encourage you to walk the boardwalk. And as you get to the center of the boardwalk, look down and underneath and you will see red jacks. It's basically propped up by jacks, like you jack up your car when you're changing the tire. That's how the boardwalk is being held up currently, and we have closed it in the past at least twice to make these temporary repairs.” She goes on to say, “We're trying to avoid a long-term closure, trying to avoid a potential injury. But also, you know, we believe this is Paradise, and we want to be a first-class city. And a first-class city shouldn't be held up with jacks. We want it to be done correctly and safely.”
Council discussed whether the money to fix the boardwalk could come from other sources or even reserves. Councilor Bonita Schwan said, “It's shocking that we would go into our reserves when we know this is going to happen,” while Council Chair Erik Brechnitz feels they should wait a year to decide which projects are important. Councilor Darrin Palumbo commented, “We should figure out how we’re going to get our boardwalk done, how we’re going to have private and business relationships, where we’re going to bring in more money, and whether it be paid parking or explore other avenues.”
Councilor Stephen Gray asked for clarification on the unassigned balance in the budget. “When I look at the latest budget documents, that seemed to suggest that it’s actually 10.8 million.” Lucius explained that while the 10.8 million is a correct number for the fund balance, 6.5 million is dedicated to emergency reserves, and then the remainder is in fund balance. “So, we have some unassigned reserves?” Gray asked. “Yes, our unassigned reserves,” said Casey.
Councilor Deb Henry and Councilor Rene Champagne both said kicking the can down the road isn’t the right choice. “We’ve spent 24 months thinking about it,” said Champagne.
When asked what the cost to taxpayers would be for the millage rate increase, Lucius estimated that for a house valued at $500,000 it would be a few dollars a year, with that number going up with the value of the home.
The motion passed 5-2, with Councilors Gray and Tamara Goehler voting no. ChairBrechnitzreminded Council they have the opportunity at the second budget reading to change their minds.
With the millage rate approved with the amended resolution millage increase, the next step was to adopt the tentative budget, with Lucius recommending the hiring of a project manager for the public works department that would use $150,000 of the $200,000 still unallocated in the budget. Justin Martin, Public Works Director, was asked what the duty of a project manager in the public works department would be. “I’ve been asking for a position in public works ever since I came to this department. We are understaffed,” Martin said. He talked about staff being overwhelmed and maxed out on comp hours. “It’s going to get to the point where we’re going to have turnover, and that’s going to be reflected in the concern that the chair had and not implementing these projects on time.”
Lucius points out that approval wouldn’t change the budget, just change the allocation on what is in the contingency line. McNees said that the $150,000 isn’t the salary but also includes the benefits package and that the actual salary is lower. The budget was approved 7-0.
The same process of approving millage and budget for the Hideaway Special Taxing District followed. The millage rate was raised to 1.6000, 6.7% above the rollback rate, to fund their budget. Both the millage rate and budget were approved quickly, 7-0.
Ronald Book, lobbyist to the state for Marco Island, brought Council up to date on what is happening at the state level with taxes, budgets, deficits, and home rule being a big part of his presentation. “The truth is the undermining of local government, even when there isn’t a problem to solve, has just become popular at the Capitol.” He also talked to businesses moving into Florida. “There’s a lot of excitement happening in Florida, and we are healthy.” When discussing state budget and deficits, he said, “The Medicaid budget has historically been the largest growing part of Florida’s budget.” He then goes on to explain that the newest and fastest-growing part of the budget is vouchers. “The voucher system in Florida is really, really changing what our pre-K to 12 system looks like,” and that Medicaid and vouchers are what’s driving some of a projected deficit. He also pointed to the success his firm has had in getting funding for the city for projects during their time of representation, while also crediting Kathleen Passidomo for driving the City agenda over the years.
Other presentations and discussions include:
Jeff Poteet, General Manager of Water and Sewer, brought a presentation reviewing the 2024 Capacity Analysis Report (CAR) that evaluates current and projected water demands and the capabilities of the City’s potable water system, as prepared by Joe Elarde with Jacobs Engineering. The report included water source facilities, treatment facilities, and treated water storage and pumping. The document is helping to identify improvements that will be needed. The report projected that the water demands have increased over time, and in 2024, there were days when consumption exceeded water treatment capacity. Councilor Champagne asked why the increase occurred when the population hadn’t increased. Poteet explained that while the report is unable to pinpoint the exact causes or reasons, it is possible more people are staying here longer, either as temporary or permanent residents.
Advisory committees and boards were discussed. Under earlier public comments, Planning Board Chair Jason Bailey asked Council to provide more direction to the Planning Board. Later in the meeting, councilors had more discussions after asking the city manager to prepare a presentation on potentially merging some of the committees that may overlap. McNees identified general recommendations but said the ultimate decision rests with Council. “This is really your conversation. What would you like to accomplish with respect to these advisory boards?” The idea of a workshop was discussed by Councilor Champagne and agreed with by Councilor Henry, which would give the committees the opportunity to brainstorm on what they could do differently or better.
Under the City Manager Report, McNees reported he and Collier County Manager Amy Patterson have been working on the county impact fee agreement. Right now, the city can only spend impact fee money to improve road capacity. “We can’t buy more right of way without tearing down a lot of houses,” said McNees. At issue is the restrictions the county has on the impact fees that the city cannot meet. A draft of the new ordinance and formula will be coming from the county.
Council approved 7-0 a change in public notices for variances, conditional uses, and Neighborhood Information meetings to come via standard US mail as opposed to certified mail.
Council approved 5-2 the appointment of Greg Folley to serve on the Board of Directors to the Marco Island Community Parks Foundation.
A contract with Black and Veatch was approved to perform a comprehensive cost evaluation for upgrading the city’s wastewater treatment plant to meet advanced wastewater treatment (AWP) standards by a vote of 4-3. Mark Martin, engineer with Black and Veatch, provided an overview. The proposal includes a facility assessment, both current and projected regulatory compliance, and treatment alternatives. It will also include capital costs and operating and maintenance costs over a 20-year life cycle.
Councilor Champagne presented a list of CIP projects with estimated costs that will need to be done in the not-too-distant future. The chart included bridge replacement, stormwater replacement and repairs, roadways, traffic and safety, and streetscape and mobility. The list key point was “Between FY2026 and FY2030, Marco Island faces more than $22M in bridge needs, plus recurring annual investments in stormwater, roads and streetscape. This requires long-term capital planning and sustainable revenue sources.
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