Lee Clerk’s annual report details county’s finances, economic health

Lee County Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes has released his third annual financial report, which details Lee County’s finances and key economic factors impacting county residents. In the 24-page report titled The Sand Dollar, readers can learn how their tax dollars were collected, managed and spent.

The easy-to-read guide also outlines trends in county property taxes, housing, employment, and significant construction projects impacting residents. Information about tourism revenue, investments, debt, and Hurricane Ian relief & expenditures are also featured.

“As Comptroller for Lee County, I strongly encourage you to either download or pick up a copy of The Sand Dollar so you can learn exactly how your tax dollars are being used,” said Karnes. “All taxpayers in Lee County should read this. It has extremely valuable data on the county’s economic and fiscal health, which has a profound effect on all of our personal bottom lines.”

This issue of The Sand Dollar is based on fiscal year 2023, which began on Oct. 1, 2022, and ended on Sept. 30, 2023.

Lee Clerk’s annual report details county’s finances, economic health

Highlights of this year’s The Sand Dollar include:

¦ During the fiscal year 2023, the county incurred approximately $190.7 million in Hurricane Ian-related expenses, received $71.9 million in state and federal grant funds and received $12.7 million in insurance reimbursements.

¦ Lee County is home to one of the fastest growing populations in the country, increasing by 24.5% since 2014.

¦ The median single-family home sales price decreased by 3.6% over the last fiscal year, while total home sales decreased by 10.5%.

¦ Property tax collections increased 87.4% over the past decade. In fiscal year 2023, Lee County hit a new record, with more than $506.6 million in property taxes collected.

¦ Impact fees grew to $39,603,671. Impact fees ensure that new developments help pay for the increased transportation, parks, schools, fire protection and emergency medical services needed by that development.

Hard copies of the report are available at all county libraries and the Clerk’s offices. You can also download the report at www.leeclerk.org/thesanddollar.

The Sand Dollar is issued annually by the Lee Clerk’s office, which is constitutionally responsible for managing and auditing all county funds. As Comptroller for Lee County, Clerk Karnes is the county auditor, county recorder, and custodian of all county funds. Through the Comptroller function of his role, Clerk Karnes is responsible for managing and investing nearly $2 billion of Lee County’s tax dollars annually.

For more information about county finances and the financial reports from the Clerk’s office, visit www.leeclerk.org/ finances. ¦

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