The council’s primary focus was on the proposed budget adjustments, particularly the employee compensation packages. Discussions on cost-of-living adjustments and merit increases were highly contentious. One council member proposed a 5% COLA alongside a 3% merit increase, arguing that retaining quality employees and maintaining morale was critical. This proposal was compared to increases in nearby cities such as Miami-Dade County, where COLA ranged from 3% to 6%.

However, there was disagreement on the basis of these comparisons, with some council members insisting that comparisons should be localized within Miami-Dade County. The motion for the 5% COLA and 3% merit increase failed to reach a consensus.

Police compensation and staffing emerged as a concern, with one council member expressing disappointment in the budget’s failure to support adequate compensation for police officers. They highlighted the lack of new positions for the police department and criticized the budget for favoring certain political agendas over the needs of city employees and public safety. This sentiment was echoed by another member who lamented the return to a politically hostile environment within city hall, which they believed hindered effective governance.

Accusations of favoritism and unfair practices were also discussed, with one council member pointing to significant salary increases for council aides while employee COLA proposals were reduced. They questioned the rationale behind funding allocations, particularly a proposed $150,000 grant for a museum with questionable financial practices, arguing that this funding should instead support existing city venues that effectively promote cultural arts.

A notable portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the procedural aspects of the budget meeting and the need for thorough scrutiny of all budget items. The mayor emphasized the necessity of addressing changes promptly to facilitate a balanced budget. The mayor circulated a memo outlining proposed changes to the budget, but no second was received for the motion to approve these changes. This led to a discussion on individual items within the proposed changes, including essential worker pay increases and cost-of-living adjustments.

The council debated the merit of a 3.5% COLA and a potential 7% merit increase. Some members expressed dissatisfaction with the 3.5% figure, pushing for a more substantial increase, particularly for field personnel and bargaining unit members.

In a particularly tense moment, the city manager objected to any reduction in salary, citing it as a violation of their employment agreement and city policy regarding annual evaluations. This objection came amid discussions about the city manager’s salary and contract, with one council member expressing concern over the inability to agree on COLA, stating it sends a “sad and a horrible message to our employees.”

The council ultimately proposed a motion to table the final millage and budget ordinance and recess the meeting until September 30, 2024. This motion failed initially but was later revisited and passed. The council was reminded of the importance of passing the budget within a tight timeline due to potential financial penalties for the city.

One council member criticized the council’s focus on “minutiae” rather than advancing the city, urging for an agreement to facilitate budget passage and prevent last-minute scrambling.