MIAMI.- After listening to residents in public hearings, the Miami-Dade Commission approved on first reading a package of ordinances that make up Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2024-2025, a budget that for the first time in the county’s history would exceed 12.6 billion dollars.
The mayor, who attended the meeting on Thursday, September 5, stressed the importance of citizen participation in the preparation of the fourth fiscal budget of her administration, which she described as “responsible, transparent and ready for the future.”
He said that over the past two years his administration has lowered taxes on homeowners, “while we continue to invest in our core priorities.”
He noted that the county government will undergo the biggest transformation in its history when the five constitutional offices – the sheriff’s office, the tax collector, the property appraiser, the clerk of courts and the supervisor of elections – are separated beginning in January 2025.
“This will affect our government in every aspect and will be reflected in the budget,” said the mayor, who estimated the transition cost at around $30 million “in the first year alone.”
He explained that in 2025, federal funds available due to the COVID pandemic will stop arriving and that the demand for services in the county continues to grow, so “the budget is prudent.” He also noted that he will continue to make priority investments in “housing, transportation, public safety, small businesses, the environment, our seniors and of course our pets.”
Following public input, the 13-member County Commission approved the ordinances presented after discussion and amendment. Commissioners Marleine Bastien of District 2 and Raquel Regalado of District 7 recused themselves from participating in the discussion and approval of one of the ordinances, citing a conflict of interest.
The budget proposal actually includes higher rates for garbage collection and water and sewer services, which is why some commissioners voted against it.
At the end of the meeting, after the votes, there was a small philosophical discussion when the Chairman of the Council, Oliver G Gilbert III, said the following words:
“It is ironic and interesting that of the nearly 200 participants who spoke before the Commission today, none of them asked for less transportation, less garbage collection services, less police, less firefighters. No one asked for less culture or art, no one asked for less housing. Those who came said they need more housing, they asked to move forward instead of backward. I don’t like the taxes we are paying, but we are all in this together.”
Commissioner Rene Garcia of District 13, who advocates for a more conservative budget, felt targeted and urged spending taxpayer money wisely. “I appreciate your comments, but I think government can do a better job of managing public money. We can do all of those things (services) by being fiscally responsible and making sure taxpayer money is used in the most appropriate way.”
The final vote on the budget will take place on September 19, following the second public hearing.
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