By: Kevin Karnes | Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
You work hard for your money.
As a taxpayer, you deserve to know that your tax dollars are being protected.
As Lee County’s Comptroller, I serve as the county’s auditor, recorder and custodian of funds. This is a very important part of my job, as I am responsible for managing and investing nearly $2 billion of Lee County’s tax dollars.
Serving as the Comptroller essentially means I am Lee County’s Chief Financial Officer. My goal is to promote transparency and shine a light on how your tax dollars are being managed and spent—while also ensuring a system of checks and balances.
A big part of this effort includes the financial report my office produces each year titled The Sand Dollar. It is a free report that can be downloaded at www.leeclerk.org/thesanddollar. I strongly encourage you to read it and learn exactly how your tax dollars are being used. It goes into great detail about Lee County’s finances and key economic factors impacting county residents.
The Sand Dollar is an easy-to-read guide that outlines trends in county property taxes, housing, employment, and major construction projects impacting residents. Information about tourism revenue, investments, debt, and Hurricane Ian relief and expenditures are also featured.
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.
Highlights of this year’s The Sand Dollar include:
During the last fiscal year, the county incurred approximately $190.7 million in Hurricane Ian-related expenses, received $71.9 million in stat, 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 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 that are needed by that development.
You can learn more about county finances and the financial reports available from our office by visiting www.leeclerk.org/finances.
It is an honor and privilege to serve you and Lee County. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at kkarnes@leeclerk.org.
