Big Cypress Basin Board advances $23.6M budget for FY27, driven by Picayune Strand operations

Big Cypress Basin Board advances $23.6M budget for FY27, driven by Picayune Strand operationsA 6.3% budget increase will support the activation of southwestern protection features at the Picayune Strand Restoration Project and ongoing capital flood control upgrades, including the I-75 Weir #2.

The board unanimously approved a $23,648,374 tentative budget for FY 2026-2027, an increase of roughly $1.4 million.

The budget includes a $2 million increase in federal revenue from the US Army Corps of Engineers to cover projected expenses for Picayune Strand operations.

Capital flood control expenditures account for $7.4 million, or 31% of the budget, primarily funding the I-75 Weir #2 and Picayune automations.

The proposed millage rate remains at 0.0978 mills, though ad valorem revenues are projected to increase by nearly $500,000 due to rising property values.

On July 7, 2026, the Big Cypress Basin Board unanimously approved a proposed tentative budget of $23,648,374 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The spending plan, which now goes to the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board for certification, represents a 6.3% increase of $1.4 million over the previous year's adopted budget. Administrative Services Division Director Candida Heater outlined that the budget growth is largely supported by a $2 million increase in federal revenue from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This funding is earmarked for operations at the Picayune Strand Restoration Project, specifically anticipating the activation of southwestern protection features expected to come online around November. The federal funds will cover 50% of the projected operational expenses for the project. Capital flood control operations remain a central focus of the financial plan. Responding to board questions, Heater confirmed that $7.4 million—accounting for 31% of total expenditures—is dedicated almost entirely to flood control capital improvements. Key projects within this allocation include the construction schedule for the I-75 Weir #2 and automation upgrades for the Picayune system. The board approved maintaining the proposed millage rate at 0.0978 mills, or $9.78 per $100,000 of taxable value. Despite the static rate, ad valorem revenues are projected to rise by nearly $500,000 due to a 3.2% increase in Collier County's taxable property values. The budget also reflects a $1 million decrease in the usage of fund balances, tied to adjustments in the I-75 Weir #2 construction timeline. The tentative budget will be submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the governor, and the legislature for review by August 1. The Basin Board will reconvene on August 28 to approve the final millage rate and budget before final adoption by the District Governing Board in September.