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REPORT:
First Assistant County Attorney Geri Bonzon-Keenan advised at tonight�s (9/3) meeting the Board would conduct a virtual public hearing and adopt proposed millage rates, set fees, rates and charges, and adopt tentative budgets for Miami-Dade County for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-2021.
Mayor Gimenez made an introductory statement, noting that this evening was the first virtual budget hearing to consider the County�s budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21, with the final approval action to be taken during the second virtual budget hearing scheduled for September 17, 2020. He noted he and his staff would continue to work closely with the County Commission on the proposed budget to ensure the expectations of the community were being met. He indicated local government served many purposes but the most important function was to protect the community from crime, hunger, homelessness, fire and other emergencies; providing these services had taken on a new meaning this year as the community faced the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. He explained the responsibilities of County Government employees and that those responsibilities had increased during the pandemic, and he noted the resources that needed to be provided to help stop/control the spread of the coronavirus. Throughout this pandemic the county continued to provide all essential county government services to the community.
Mayor Gimenez noted developing this budget was challenging, currently there was no way to measure the full impact the pandemic would have on the local economy; he stated he was certain the travel and tourism industries that drove the economy would take a long time to recover. He indicated the surge in virtual business may mean that office space may not be needed in the same quantities, which would have a large impact on the county�s property tax roll and the future budget; and that things had radically changed. Mayor Gimenez noted the needed to be ready to adapt and be prepared to seek other opportunities to offset financial losses. He indicated these new opportunities included: technology development and investment, to improve COVID-19 testing and capabilities, to expand the information available to government to address issues to make government work more efficiently. Until the economy stabilized, Mayor Gimenez stated the county needed to be conservative and brace for short and long term financial stressors.
Mayor Gimenez advised that nearly $705 million of the operating budget was dedicated to Miami-Dade County�s resilience efforts and approximately $3.285 billion in capital projects were dedicated to community resilience. He highlighted services provided in the proposed budget were as follows:
-funding for five (5) basic law enforcement classes, filling an additional 45 budgeted positions, this was the second year positions had increased after more than a decade of reductions;
-funding for three (3) classes for new fire recruits, one (1) new rescue unit will be staffed in the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY);
-providing funding to continue the boot camp program within the Corrections and Rehabilitations Department;
-funding for enhanced Library hours, books and materials;
-funding for proactive mosquito spraying will be continued to protect people from diseases such as Zika, Dengue Fever and the West Nile virus;
-funding for Ludlam Trail;
-funding for a second domestic violence shelter with a minimum of 60 shelter beds for domestic violence survivors and their dependents;
-funding for both community organizations and cultural programs;
-funding for the Seaport to add up to five new post-Pamamax cranes that will help bring more cargo to the Seaport and offset losses from the slow cruise industry;
-In-kind support and funding are included for the Capital One Orange Bowl game, the 2021 National Championship game, and the return of the Orange Blossom Classic and Battle of the Bands;
-enhanced funding for the Film and Entertainment Incentives program, this will help create an anticipated 12,600 film industry jobs in the upcoming FY.
-more than $257 million for affordable housing from all sources, including the funding for existing and new projects; along with a new program to provide first time homeowners with guaranteed loans;
-funding for Summer Internship programs and the Employee Miami-Dade program to continue as are the Fit2Lead and Fit2Play programs in the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department;
-funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will receive $1.168 million more funding to serve 28,335 residents with financial assistance to pay their electric bills;
-1.7 million has been budgeted for the Weatherization Assistance Program, to help 66 low income families permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient;
-funding for the Countywide Infrastructure Investment program continues, and projects have begun to renovate and repair our power systems, life safety systems, security, elevators and other improvements;
-complete funding of capital needs for fire rescue stations;
-funding to address seaweed accumulation in certain spots;
-funding for 33 early voting sites, operating 10 hours per day, for 14 days;
-additional funding for the re-districting efforts based on the 2020 Census.
Mayor Gimenez advised that the proposed budget was a tight but responsible and his goal in developing this budget was no tax rate increase, no service reductions and no lay-offs. He pointed out the residential Solid Waste fee was flat; adjustments to the Water and Sewer rates and tiers were included, this would ensure the baseline infrastructure was supported and residential customers in the tiers with the highest incidents of poverty are protected from increases to their bills. He advised that Transit fares held were flat in the proposed budget, the County received Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, which allowed the County to offer fare free public transportation since March 2020, which could continue for several months. Mayor Gimenez noted that he kept the promise to reduce the People�s Transportation Plan (PTP) Surtax support to transit operation to $35 million for the upcoming year; the County provided more than $85 million worth of PTP required service, which meant that the PTP service was being subsidized by other funding for the coming FY and for many years to come.
Mayor Gimenez advised that other fee adjustments in the budget were limited to those that were contractually obligated or specific to certain services provided. He stated that by keeping the tax rate flat, which amounted to a reduction of 12% from the rates recommended by the previous Administration, taxpayers saved over $2 billion which was equivalent to a $2,000 savings for the average household since his tenure. He noted these savings were possible due to the Administration and Board�s commitment to using taxpayer dollars as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Mayor Gimenez stated that Miami-Dade County must continue to be a safe community with accessible affordable housing, cost effective modes of transportation, great job options, enjoyable recreation and cultural opportunities and a strong infrastructure to support the county�s continued growth. He noted the budget was not perfect, but with the current economic conditions, he did not have the flexibility to address increased operating expenses. He indicated each Board member had identified services for which they would like to allocate more funding and projects they would like to support; the administration will work with Board members for the next two (2) weeks in an attempt to meet these priorities, however adjustments would be limited or eliminated without consequent adjustments to service levels. Mayor Gimenez stated Miami-Dade County must continue to provide critical services to residents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed appreciation to members of the Board for their consideration and the services provided to a community of 2.8 million residents.
Chairwoman Edmonson welcomed the residents watching and participating in tonight�s (9/3) first virtual budget hearing for the Fiscal year 2020-21 proposed budget. She advised that this virtual environment had been constructed to emulate a regular budget hearing therefore all rules and procedures will be adhered to; the public comments/live call comments from attendees would be queued-in at the appropriate time for public hearing and all comments will be limited to two (2) minutes per person.
Chairwoman Edmonson opened the virtual public hearing; the following persons address the Board:
1. City of Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian
2. City of Miami Commissioner Ken Russell
3. Mr. Javier Berezndivine
4. Ms. Jeanette Ruiz 7449 NW 168th Street, Hialeah, Florida
5. Ms. Cameo Parrish 25320 SW 137th Avenue, Miami, Florida
6. Mr. Carlos Herrera 7217 N Bayshore Drive. Miami, Florida
7. Ms. Sharon Frazier Miami, Florida
8. Mr. Armen Henderson 5575 SW 6th Street. Miami, Florida
9. Mr. Morgan Gianola 5833 SW 62nd Street, Miami, Florida
10. Mr. Erik Ofengand 1555 Cleveland Road, Miami Beach, Florida
11. Ms. Amanda Elena Brito 1068 SW 137th Place, Miami, Florida
12. Ms. Angelica Sanchez 1521 Meridian Ave, Miami Beach, Florida
13. Ms. Audrey Wright 9337 NW 2nd Place, Miami, Florida
14. Ms. Barbara Jean, representing Be Strong International, 9730 E Hibiscus Street, Cutler Bay, Florida
15. Ms. Bianca Shannon 9237 NW 2nd Place, Miami, Florida
16. Mr. Christopher Garcia 543 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida
17. Mr. Camilo Mejeia 3482 Frow Avenue, Miami Florida
18. Ms. Grace Bracamonte, Executive Director, Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, 3015 SW 105th Avenue, Miami, Florida
19. Ms. Dalilah Montesino, Student at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School, 3191 W 77th Place, Hialeah, Florida
20. Mr. Davon Johnson, representing Be Strong International, 535 NW 198th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida
21. Ms. Elizabeth Suarez, resident of Little Havana, Miami, Florida
22. Ms. Vanessa Gomez 15421 SW 113th Avenue, Miami Florida
23. Mr. Ahmed Mori 1045 10th Street, Miami Beach, Florida
24. Ms. Alessandra Mitter 3240 Mary Street Miami, Florida
25. Ms. Alissa Farina 111 E Flagler Street, Miami, Florida
26. Ms. Amanda Harford 3090 Hibiscus Street, Miami, Florida
27. Mr. Lyle Muhammad, Executive Director, Circle of Brotherhood, 7515 NW 14th Court, Miami, Florida
28. Ms. Brianna LaFontant 1444 NW 14th Avenue, Miami, Florida
29. Ms. Stevie Peacock 3240 Mary Street, Miami, Florida
30. Ms. Susan Khoury
31. Ms. Amy Morales 995 SW 14th Avenue, Miami, Florida
32. Ms. Anaruth Solache, representing Catalyst Miami, 6776 NW 187th Terrace, Hialeah, Florida
33. Ms. Andrea Nodal 871 SE 3rd Place, Hialeah, Florida
34. Ms. Anne Castro 3309 William Avenue, Miami, Florida
35. Mr. Anthony Swain
36. Ms. Bhargavi Pochi 1527 Albenga Avenue, Miami, Florida
37. Ms. Carly Gordon 35 SW 6th Avenue, Miami, Florida
38. Ms. Carolina Frenandez-Mazzoni 555 NE 30th Street, Miami, Florida
39. Ms. Christina Bouza 1050 NE 131st Street, North Miami, Florida
40. Ms. Claribel Garcia 4620 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, Florida
41. Ms. Claudia Navarro, Program Director, We Count!, 2240 NW 105th Street, Miami, Florida
42. Ms. Claudia Rodriguez 302 E 9th Court, Hialeah, Florida
43. Ms. Dana Wall 145 SW 13th Street, Miami, Florida
44. Ms. Danielle Goodman 43 NW 85th Street, Miami, Florida
45. Ms. Daniela Molina 15840 SW 143rd Avenue, Miami, Florida
46. Ms. Donna Coker 5760 SW 56th Terrace, Miami, Florida
47. Ms. Ella Fies 2001 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida
48. Ms. Rachel Collins 24505 SW 192 Avenue, Homestead, Florida
49. Ms. Rebecca Sell 15051 Royal Oaks Lane, North Miami, Florida
50. Mr. Erick Sanchez 201 N Krome Avenue, Homestead, Florida
51. Mr. Luis Gonzalez 133 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida
52. Mr. Filipe De Sousa 1890 SW 4th Street, Miami, Florida
53. Ms. Gabriela Espinosa, representing Catalyst Miami, 12601 SW 188th Street, Miami, Florida
54. Mr. Gilbert Placeres, representing Engage Miami, 600 NE 36th Street, Miami, Florida
55. Mr. Glenn Hutchinson 12110 NE Miami Place, North Miami, Florida
56. Ms. Heidi Hernandez
57. Ms. Gwendolyn Snyder
58. Mr. Hill Blackett
59. Mr. Jared Simon 335 Harbor Lane, Key Biscayne, Florida
60. Ms. Irma Durand, Homestead, Florida
61. Ms. Jenneva Clauss 2001 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida
62. Ms. Jessica Garcia Gutierrez 15134 SW 161 Street,
Miami, Florida
63. Ms. Julia Montejo, representing People Acting for Community Together (PACT), 210 SW 11th Street Miami, Florida
64. Ms. Carla Reyes 600 NE 34th Street, Miami, Florida
65. Mr. Kenneth Kilpatrick, representing The Alternative Program, Miami, Florida
66. Mr. Kevin Amezaga, Miami, Florida
67. Mr. Kojo Jones
68. Ms. Kyriaki Tsaganis 436 NE 77th Street Road, Miami, Florida
69. Mr. Lee Pivnik 4600 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida
70. Ms. Alejandra Rondon 3309 William Avenue, Miami, Florida
71. Ms. Lindsey Johnson 1603 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida
72. Ms. Lissette Martinez 12675 NW 8th Trail, Miami, Florida
73. Mr. MacKenzie Marcelin Miami, Florida
74. Maria Alejandra Llorens, representing We Count!, 3157 Carter Street, Miami, Florida
75. Ms. Maria Chicuen, Public Affairs Manager, Transit Alliance Miami, 169 E Flagler Street, Miami, Florida
76. Ms. Mariana Ochoa 12917 SW 88th Terrace, Miami, Florida
77. Ms. Maryanne Rodriguez 19800 SW 100th Avenue Miami, Florida
78. Ms. Maya Ragsdale 7800 Carlyle Avenue, Miami
Beach, Florida
79. Ms. Meena Jagannath 101 NE 49th Street, Miami, Florida
80. Ms. Michelle Graulty 601 NE 23rd Miami, Florida
81. Ms. Myrtle Perdue 3300 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, Florida
82. Ms. Natasha Estevez
83. Ms. Nerea Arce
84. Mr. Paul Campbell 17005 SW 93rd Street, Miami, Florida
85. Mr. Prem Lee Barbosa 1501 NE 191st Street, Miami, Florida
86. Rachel Prestipino, representing People Acting for Community Together (PACT) 1818 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida
87. Ms. Rebecca Pelham 1011 Bay Drive, Miami Beach, Florida
88. Mr. Santiago Rivera 1590 SW 11th Avenue, Miami, Florida
89. Ms. Santra Denis, Executive Director, Miami Workers Center, 745 NW 54th Street, Miami, Florida
90. Ms. Sarah Young 4600 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida
91. Ms. Yanelis Valdez 1600 NE 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida
92. Ms. Leena Yumeen 6620 SW 57th Avenue, Miami, Florida
93. Ms. Susana Siman 3130 Bird Avenue, Miami, Florida
94. Ms. Vanny E. Veras, Miami, Florida
95. Ms. Zaina Alsous, Miami, Florida
96. Ms. Zelalem Adefris 1236 Drexel Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida
97. Mr. John Coughlin 439 NW 46th Street, Miami, Florida
98. Ms. Mahlia Lindquist 1206 Madrid Street, Coral Gables, Florida
99. Ms. Rodnika Cockroft 1650 NE 135th Street, Miami, Florida
100. Mr. Mario Alvarez, CEO Community Smiles, 750 NW 20th Street, Miami, Florida
Hearing no one else wishing to speak, Chairwoman Edmonson closed the virtual public hearing; and the Board proceeded to consider the budget ordinances for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-20.
Mayor Gimenez expressed concerned that during the reasonable opportunity to be heard, he heard a mass amount of misinformation from the public speakers. He advised that $50 million of rental and mortgage assistance was available in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding; over a billion in CARES act funding has been made available to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. He noted the comments made by some speakers were untrue, and clarified that over $240 million of funding was available for affordable housing in Miami-Dade County. Mayor Gimenez also clarified that the current county jail was 60 years old and inmates needed to be housed humanely. He explained that no funds had been allocated or set aside to build a new jail; in an effort to build a new jail, the old jail would be closed and the savings of $400 million will fund the building of a new jail, there was no funds set aside to build a jail.
Vice Chairwoman Sosa noted she was proud of Miami-Dade County�s first responders for their services. She inquired if the budget included treatment for the sewer outfalls that lead to Biscayne Bay.
Ms. Moon responded to Vice Chairwoman Sosa�s inquiry noting a portion of the rates was for the debt service required to support the capital program, to deal with the outfall issue.
Vice Chairwoman Sosa asked Ms. Moon, prior to the second budget hearing, to provide her with further information and details regarding the water fee rate for the sewer outfall issue at Biscayne Bay.
Commissioner Martinez expressed his concern regarding the various speakers that spoke against the allocation of funding a new county jail facility. He noted he listened to his constituents who wanted more police services and pointed out it was inhumane and irresponsible to house inmates at a dilapidated jail. Commissioner Martinez inquired whether there was any flexibility to allocate more funding for the police and other services.
Ms. Moon replied to Commissioner Martinez� inquiry noting that this budget was built with three goals, to keep the tax rate flat, to keep services in place and to avoid lay-offs; she indicated in keeping those three goals not much flexibility was included. In addition, Ms. Moon stated the economic impact of the pandemic was unknown and it was difficult to identify any additional funding, especially for something that would increase operational obligations. She pointed out the following year will be tough as the property tax roll may be impacted by the changes in the economy.
Responding to Commissioner Monestime's inquiry regarding how much funding was available in the Affordable Housing Trust funding and how much was sent towards affordable housing last year; Deputy Mayor Jennifer Moon indicated at the end of this Fiscal Year there would be $17 million in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and over $250 million in funding for affordable housing. Ms. Moon indicated $270 thousand was spent out of the Affordable Housing Trust fund.
Ms. Moon clarified and reiterated that the Affordable Housing Trust Fund had $17 million in it; apart from that, all sources of funding for affordable housing in the budget amounted to $270 million. She stated additional funding was added each year and spent. She advised Commissioner Monestime that she would provide him with the quarterly reports and details regarding the upcoming funding.
Commissioner Monestime indicated he wished to clear up the confusion regarding the speakers requesting to add additional funding to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
Ms. Moon noted there was new funding of $60 million from the current year to next year, she that anticipated spending approximately $60 million on affordable housing projects. She indicated more were been allocated to specific affordable housing projects, however for various reasons the private sector companies had not been moving forward, but the funds were available.
Commissioner Monestime inquired whether allocations to Community Based Organizations (CBOs) had an increase or did the allocation for this Fiscal Year (FY) remain status quo.
Ms. Moon responded to Commissioner Monestime�s inquiry explaining the CBO allocations remained status quo this year, the same funding would go to the CBOs that were awarded through the competitive process and the same amount of funding exists in the discretionary funds for each commissioner to allocate to their respective districts.
Further discussion ensued between Commissioner Monestime and Ms. Moon regarding allocations to CBOs and CARES Act funding during the pandemic. Ms. Moon clarified that no additional requests for more funding came from CBOs; she indicated a few CBOs did amend their scope of services and she would bring an item to the Board to initiate these changes. She also noted in addition to the funding that was awarded to assist the not-for profit organizations, there was $20 million of basic needs funding that the organizations would assist the United Way distribute to the community.
Commissioner Diaz expressed his concern regarding the speakers request that the police department be defunded, noting it was not beneficial to defund the police department and that police officers/presence be increased to help citizens. He commended the Administration for their work on balancing the budget to preventing lay-offs and higher taxes.
Commissioner Heyman expressed concern regarding Water and Sewer treatment plant in North Dade. She noted this treatment plant was old, had leaks and many other issues. She said she would like to move up additional expenditures to see more rehabilitation of this infrastructure now, rather than in the future.
Commissioner Higgins noted her constituents were in favor of adding more police, as they were in fear of not having police officers available when they needed them. She also noted during the pandemic people were biking and walking more, the bike lanes needed to be safe for bikers to use. Commissioner Higgins expressed concern with the calls to fund affordable housing through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; she noted she was hesitant to divert funds to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and noted the current mechanism used to fund affordable housing had been successful. Commissioner Higgins gave details of some upcoming affordable housing projects and indicated she wished to meet with Ms. Moon and Public Housing and Community Development Director Michael Liu to give details to concerned residents regarding how funds were allocated and the struggle to activate the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. She noted that a housing crisis did exist and the pandemic made residents more afraid that the crisis will grow; she indicated there were things that could be done to accelerate the construction of affordable housing that do not require a budget increase.
Commissioner Jordan inquired about the funding of the Headstart program and asked Ms. Moon to provide her a status update regarding installation of cameras at Lillie C. Evans Elementary school, and to include information regarding the effectiveness of the program, and how the staff used the cameras for monitoring. She also requested from Ms. Moon an update regarding the program between South Florida Career Source and Headstart programs. Commissioner Jordan inquired about maintenance cycles at parks in her district and expressed concern that the grass was not cut often enough at parks.
Commissioner Souto requested the Administration create a twice a month mowing cycle at parks. He noted street signs were in disrepair and discolored and suggested the Transit Department repair these signs. He also suggested implementation of programs to improve transportation and connectivity, noting easements not being used could be used as bike trails.
Commissioner Levine Cava expressed appreciation to the public speakers. She noted the need for a comprehensive safety budget, including mental health services. She also noted the administration needed to explore diversion programs and a sober center to keep people out of the jail system. Commissioner Levine Cava stated this budget lacked vision, stating there had never been such a dramatic call for government change, and noting the revenue projections were uncertain. She stated, however she indicated she was pleased that critical community services were being maintained without laying off staff. She said housing had become a more severe need and the Administration needed to fight harder to obtain funding from the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act.
Commissioner Levine Cava asked that the Director of the Water and Sewer Department provide her with a report, before the final budget hearing, regarding consent order projects and the possibility moving projects aside to accelerating the most critical projects. She further asked for a report regarding the progress of the $120 million appropriation for converting commercial properties from septic to sewer. Commissioner Levine Cava requested the Department of Environmental Resources and Management (DERM) Director to provide her a report regarding the partnership with the Water Management District to restore wetlands along Biscayne Bay and South Dade. Commissioner Levine Cava noted she wished to continue rental assistance to residents that needed it.
Commissioner Levine Cava asked that the Administration consider only spending capital dollars on the most essential items; and asked that the Mayor provide her a report regarding which fleet vehicles were in most urgent need to be replaced versus those vehicles that could be kept. She also suggested that fleet maintenance facilities be postponed because it required purchasing new property and due to the number of people working remotely the same amount of county buildings may not be needed. Commissioner Levine Cava asked that Deputy Mayor Edward Marquez provide to her a report regarding the status of saving funds on buildings and overhead. In an effort to gain a better understanding of travel expenditure,
Commissioner Levine Cava asked for a report regarding the travel budget and expenditures.
Chairwoman Edmonson and Commissioner Moss expressed that they were not in support of defunding the police.
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