The most pressing topic of the meeting was the discussion and preliminary approval of Resolution F1, which proposed setting the tentative millage tax rate at 83,000 mills, marking a 13.25% increase over the rollback rate of 73,290 mills. Mayor Omarr C. Nickerson conducted the proceedings, with Vice Mayor Pella and Councilperson Liffo Ward participating. The resolution passed its first reading with three votes in favor, following a motion by Vice Mayor Pella and seconded by Councilperson Liffo Ward.

Following the millage rate discussion, the council reviewed Resolution F2 regarding the adoption of the budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, totaling $4,877,215. Village Manager Joseph Geller clarified that staff salary increases would be based on performance rather than revenue generation, emphasizing a focus on rewarding efficiency and professional development.

Public comments on the budget revealed significant resident concerns, particularly from Eric Strickland, who questioned the allocation of funds for transportation-related expenses, including street and sidewalk repairs, and tree trimming. Strickland’s inquiries led to clarifications that tree trimming operations are limited to public right-of-ways and do not extend to private properties. It was also noted that while pothole filling is an annual activity, the village lacks sufficient funding to address all necessary street repairs comprehensively. The transportation fund showed $91,000 for various expenses, including $44,000 for contracted salaries and $30,000 for tree trimming, highlighting the need for clearer budget delineation.

Another resident, Warner Dreer, presented recommendations focusing on adding specific budget line items for salaried employees’ vacation time and overtime to enhance accountability. Dreer also shared his concerns about the village’s street conditions, supported by a PDF submission containing over 55 pictures of locations requiring road maintenance. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues and volunteered to assist in gathering community support for future infrastructure meetings with Miami-Dade County.

The council acknowledged the longstanding need for street repairs, referencing past surveys and studies confirming the necessity of such work but highlighting the challenge of securing adequate funding. Financial constraints, exacerbated by past disasters like Hurricane Irma, were reiterated as significant hurdles. A council member noted that advanced street plans exist but are awaiting financial backing.

The discussion on budget allocations also included a proposal to introduce General Ledger (GL) codes for better tracking of various financial allocations, including salaries and paid time off. A council member requested an additional line item for vacation tracking, stressing the importance of transparency and thorough record-keeping. The finance administration clarified that all employees are salaried, so there is no need for overtime tracking. However, creating separate line items would improve financial transparency.

Further debate arose over the inclusion of specific line items for street and sidewalk repairs in the budget. A council member expressed frustration over the absence of these items, which had previously been funded. The motion to reintroduce these line items for consistency with past budgets was discussed, with an emphasis on reverting to budget practices reminiscent of the 2020 budget.

The council also highlighted the importance of public engagement and communication with residents regarding budgetary matters. One council member shared their experience in securing significant funding from Washington DC for street and sidewalk repairs, which was ultimately redirected.