Lee County Florida Sherrif Mike Scott requested a 16.5% budget increase, citing a dramatic increase in demand at the Lee County Jail and Justice Center, both of which have facility expansions set to open this year.

The county would expect to give him most or all of the request given the additional facility requirements, however the county is in limbo because of property tax reform in Tallahassee by the state legislature.  Counties accross the state are awaiting tax reform which could significantly restrict their budgets.