The meeting began with the presentation of a balanced budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, totaling $215 million. This included a general fund allocation of $89.99 million. However, the primary focus was on the proposed millage rate of 7.4 mills, consistent with the previous two years. Budget manager Roy Brown detailed that this rate would generate approximately $43.2 million in ad valorem taxes, translating to an expected revenue of about $41.5 million after accounting for a 95% collection rate. The rollback rate, calculated at 6.83 mills, was also presented.

Council members engaged in a debate over the possibility of lowering the millage rate further. Concerns were expressed about the potential impacts on city services, particularly police staffing. One member highlighted that past reductions in the millage rate had led to budgetary constraints, including police layoffs. The mayor emphasized the importance of strategic budget discussions. Ultimately, the council decided to proceed with budget presentations and deferred the decision on the millage rate.

The budget presentation also covered the inclusion of $2.9 million in general fund reserves. The city manager emphasized the need for continued efforts to maintain fiscal stability over the next five years. Additionally, the budget outlined strategies for aggressive collection efforts on delinquent receivables and plans to diversify revenue streams through grant applications.

Despite addressing some critical needs, there were still unmet needs highlighted in the budget discussion. These included police and community bargaining association negotiations, enhanced landscaping services, raising staff wages to meet state living wage requirements, and increasing the number of police officers to industry standards. The budget presentation included priorities derived from community input, such as financial stability, economic development, affordable housing, resiliency programming, and park renovations.

Significant discussions also revolved around the costs associated with upcoming elections, particularly following the change in election dates. One member raised concerns about the election cost increase from $125,000 to $341,000, seeking a detailed breakdown of these expenses. It was explained that the costs encompass fees charged by Miami-Dade County for conducting the election, signage, notices, and other logistical needs, such as portable restrooms.

The meeting delved into the reorganization within the City Manager’s office, leading to the creation of the Communications Department and the addition of 18 new positions, including roles like Deputy Chief of Staff, city planner, and arborist. Questions were raised about the financial implications of these new positions and how they would improve city services. The city manager emphasized the importance of positions like the city planner and arborist in managing the city’s tree population and addressing environmental concerns.

Infrastructure and public works were also major topics of discussion, with specific inquiries about the allocation of funds for drainage and other critical projects. The council addressed the challenges posed by a recent cyber incident that had hampered access to city data and reports, complicating the budget review process. Questions about the sufficiency of allocated funds for projects like the Northeast Third Court stormwater improvements were raised, with assurances given that the budget would cover the necessary work.

Residents voiced their concerns during the public hearing, highlighting issues such as the need for additional police officers, the adequacy of budget allocations for traffic implementation, and the necessity of prioritizing local organizations over distant entities for funding. The council acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the importance of transparency and community involvement in future budget considerations.

In the final motions, the council adopted a tentative millage rate of 7.4 mills for fiscal year 2024-2025 and approved the city budget with unanimous votes. The meeting concluded with discussions on adjusting the minimum fund allocation in the reserve fund account.