Sandra Buxton

The public hearing included a review of the 2025-2026 Annual Certified Budget, a public comment period, and resolutions for adopting the final levy of ad valorem taxes and the final annual certified budget.

The budget includes both local and state funding, with a focus on various accounts such as personal services, utility service, gasoline/oil/lube, and chemicals. Key discussion points involve estimated and budgeted receipts, including ad valorem taxes, state grants, and equipment rentals. The budget also covers expenditures like personal services, travel, operating expenses, and capital outlay. Adjustments were made to the budget due to an increase in the ending cash balance, which was attributed to incomplete capital expenditures.

The Board of Commissioners is submitting an amendment for the current fiscal year. The amendment includes adjustments to the budget, such as transferring funds from contingency to gas/oil/lube to cover fuel for vehicles and aircraft. Additionally, there is an increase in revenue due to variations in revenue sources.

The Collier Mosquito Control District's strategic plan for 2025-2030, with detailed goals for FY 2025-2026, outlines a roadmap for managing mosquito populations and reducing disease risks in a rapidly growing community. Key strategic pillars include significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development. Core priorities involve modernizing the aerial fleet, constructing new facilities, and expanding surveillance and control capabilities through innovative and environmentally sustainable approaches. The plan also focuses on executing a comprehensive master plan, recruiting and retaining skilled employees, augmenting integrated pest management programs, and exploring advanced surveillance and control strategies. Departmental objectives for FY 2025-2026 are designed to enhance communication, ensure financial transparency, improve employee experience, strengthen cybersecurity, modernize operations, refine mosquito control methods, expand research efforts, and maintain facilities, all contributing to fostering innovation, efficiency, and proactive public health protection while upholding strong environmental stewardship.

This strategic plan outlines the long-term direction, goals, objectives, and performance metrics for the Collier Mosquito Control District from 2024 to 2029, with specific focus on fiscal year 2024-2025. The plan is structured around key strategic pillars including the execution of a comprehensive master plan, recruitment and retention of employees, fleet rejuvenation, development of new facilities, and augmentation of integrated pest management with innovative and sustainable solutions. The overarching vision is to provide continued valuable service to a rapidly growing community, effectively manage disease threats, mitigate nuisance mosquito populations, and ensure efficient, effective, and environmentally responsible operations.