The meeting opened with the approval of the city’s budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, which totaled $57.2 million. This included $37.3 million in operating funds and a $10.7 million capital improvement plan. The budget aimed to address various city needs, such as capital improvements, the red light camera program, and general employee compensation increases. Commissioner Santiago raised concerns about the rising property taxes, emphasizing the impact on residents as property values increased. Constituents had reported significant hikes in their tax bills, with some increasing from $400-$500 to $1,300-$1,500. Despite the increase in the millage rate to 8.9797 mills, city officials clarified that the city only accounts for about a third of the total property tax bill, with the primary increases coming from other taxing authorities.

In a separate agenda item, the commission discussed an amendment to the code enforcement lien amnesty program. The program was designed to alleviate financial burdens on residents facing substantial fines from code violations. The original proposal allowed for a 75% debt waiver, but a motion was introduced to increase this to 85%. This proposed increase sparked debate among commissioners, with concerns about potentially encouraging more residents to seek the maximum waiver and the implications for the city’s finances. A commissioner argued that the focus should be on homeowners genuinely in need of assistance, while another suggested that the waiver should be reduced to 50% to prevent misuse by property investors. Ultimately, the motion to increase the waiver to 85% passed by a narrow 3-2 vote.

Further discussions on the amnesty program highlighted the need for clear stipulations, including a condition preventing participants from selling their properties for 36 months. This led to confusion among commissioners, who initially believed these conditions were implied. To address this, a motion was passed requiring applicants to acknowledge and consent to these terms.

In addition to financial matters, the commission addressed a resolution concerning a triparty memorandum of understanding with Miami-Dade County and Community Youth Against Violence, Inc. This initiative aimed to implement a youth curfew enforcement program to address juvenile delinquency. The resolution passed unanimously.

Another resolution involved a service agreement with Miami-Dade County regarding the release of water supply services to Amelia Earhart Park Recreation Center. Concerns were raised about the potential loss of revenue and service territory for Opa-Locka, as Miami-Dade County would take over new water services. Commissioners debated the financial fairness of the agreement, questioning whether Opa-Locka would relinquish rights or services without adequate compensation. Despite these concerns, the resolution passed unanimously after amendments were made to ensure the commission’s review of any related correspondence.

The meeting also included discussions on ordinances related to public consumption of alcoholic beverages and public-private partnerships (P3). The ordinance shifting approval authority for alcohol service exceptions from the city commission to the city manager passed its first reading. Meanwhile, the P3 ordinance sought to increase private sector involvement in public projects, although commissioners acknowledged the need for a deeper understanding of the new legislation.

Commissioners expressed gratitude to the finance director and budget team for their efforts in preparing the budget.