The meeting commenced with no amendments to the agenda and moved swiftly to public comments, which saw no participation from attendees. The council then proceeded to the main discussion item regarding the millage rate. The presentation, led by the city’s finance department, highlighted that the taxable value for Doral had increased by $1.8 billion, or 10%, from the previous year.

The finance department presented two millage rate options: the current rate of 1.7166 and the rolled-back rate of 1.5615. The rolled-back rate would have reduced ad valorem tax revenues by $2.9 million and decreased the average Doral homeowner’s payment to the city by $56. However, council members expressed support for maintaining the current millage rate, citing the need to support the expenses of the Central Park project and potential costs associated with future annexations that could increase the city’s expenses significantly.

Additionally, the council was presented with the necessity to levy a Debt Service millage for the General Obligation Bonds series 2019 and 2021 to cover annual debt service requirements. The combined millage rate for the operation and Debt Service would be 2.1976 for the average Doral homeowner.

Following the presentation and discussion, a motion to approve the proposed operating millage rate was made, seconded, and unanimously passed by the council. The resolution was directed to be filed with the Miami-Dade County property appraiser as required by Florida state statutes.

In other matters, the City Attorney requested an executive session to be held to discuss ongoing litigation, which the council agreed to schedule for the following Wednesday.