The most contentious discussion centered around a proposed 8% salary increase for the village manager, raising her salary to $145,000. One council member emphasized the need for a detailed performance assessment rather than a blanket increase based on contract stipulations. They pointed out the village’s growth and transformation, questioning, “If there’s a reason why… you feel like she… her performance was beneath the five,” suggesting that a review was necessary to warrant the proposed increase.

Conversely, the Vice Mayor highlighted deficiencies in various departments under the village manager’s oversight, such as code enforcement and building departments. They argued, “When I don’t see much on the coming to our revenues, it’s kind of like a little concerning,” indicating that the manager’s salary, benefits, and retirement could surpass $300,000. The Vice Mayor compared El Portal’s situation to Biscayne Park, where the manager’s salary is lower despite a similar budget size.

Another council member defended the village manager, recounting an instance where she worked late into the night to resolve an emergency involving a fallen tree. They stressed the importance of recognizing behind-the-scenes efforts, stating, “I think a lot of time things just show up, people are like, ‘Oh, that’s nice,’ like that’s just the way it happens.” This perspective highlighted the complexities and unseen efforts required to maintain village operations.

The discussion revealed a broader debate on salary equity, with one council member remarking, “I never got a $35,000 raise,” reflecting on their experience in larger cities without similar compensation increases. Concerns were also raised about the village’s financial health and reserve funds, with a member questioning, “What’s our Reserve fund look like? I never see the reserve fund,” emphasizing the need for a sustainable approach to salary increases amidst uncertain fiscal conditions.

The village manager intervened to clarify her position, noting that despite the perceived high salary, she remains the lowest-paid municipal manager in Miami-Dade County. She highlighted the additional benefits and allowances other municipalities provide, such as living expenses and higher car allowances. The manager articulated her commitment to improving village operations and retaining quality staff, asserting, “I’m trying to make it a good place to work.”

Budget review also extended to specific line items, such as the contracted accountant’s budget, which increased from $66,000 to $85,000. This adjustment was deemed necessary to align with current economic conditions and the village’s needs. Discussions also touched on the village manager’s upcoming presidency of the Miami-Dade County Manager Association, viewed as a milestone for El Portal, expected to enhance educational and training opportunities for staff.

The council addressed budget allocations for planning and zoning, with a proposed $20,000 increase justified by additional work required for code amendments. The budget for the village clerk included a 10.67% increase due to contractually mandated raises and vacation pay not previously accounted for. There was discussion about the municipal elections budget, with potential special election costs ranging from $25,000 to $30,000, in addition to the $15,000 already budgeted for the upcoming election.

Public works budget discussions included a notable increase in the repair and maintenance budget for Village Hall from $25,000 to $60,000, prompting questions about the adequacy of this amount. The police budget was also scrutinized, especially following the departure of a major officer, with the Chief’s salary increasing from $75,000 to $96,000 to retain leadership and compensate for additional responsibilities.

Concerns about tree maintenance and community safety were raised by a resident named Charles Winter, who spoke about the health of local trees and the potential risks they posed. The council acknowledged the necessity for a thorough assessment of the trees in the community and promised to involve an arborist to evaluate the situation.

The council also discussed the recycling budget, with one member expressing strong opposition to continuing the program, describing it as a “complete and total waste.” However, it was noted that the current recycling contract was binding for the year.

Inquiries about specific line items in the Public Works budget, such as road repairs and tree trimming, highlighted the challenges faced by the council in balancing budgetary constraints with community needs. The council underscored the importance of transparency and a comprehensive understanding of the budget’s impact on local services.