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REPORT:
CA Geri Bonzon-Keenan announced that the Board would conduct a public hearing at tonight�s meeting and adopt millage rates, set fees, rates, and other charges; and adopt tentative budgets for Miami-Dade County for Fiscal Year 2025-26. She advised that eight (8) ordinances were before the Board and noted that the proposed millage rates adopted at tonight�s budget hearing set the ceiling for the final millage rates that could be adopted at the second Budget Hearing on September 18, 2025.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item A into the record.
Mr. David Clodfelter announced that the proposed Countywide operating millage was 4.574 mills, which was 7.57 percent above the State-defined rollback rate of 4.252. He advised that the proposed millage rate generated revenue to support services included in the proposed budget, including a planned cost of living adjustment, an increase from the Florida Retirement System (FRS), an increase to the maintenance of effort for funding for Jackson Health System (JHS).
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item B into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter stated that the proposed Countywide debt service millage rate was 0.4171 mills; 0.3228 mills for Countywide debt service including the Building Better Communities Bond program and Safe Neighborhoods Parks program and 0.0943 mills for the Public Health Trust, Jackson Miracle Building Bond program.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the titles of Agenda Items C and Dinto the record.
Mr. Clodfelter advised that the proposed Unincorporated Municipal Services Area (UMSA) operating millage was 1.909 mills, which was 7.37 percent above the State-defined rollback rate of 1.7779. He noted that the proposed millage rate generated revenues to support services included in the proposed budget, including a planned cost of living adjustment, and an increase in the FRS.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the titles of Agenda Items E and F into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter indicated that the proposed Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Service District�s operating millage was 2.3965 mills which was 7.99 percent above the State-defined rollback rate of 2.2191 mills. He noted the proposed millage rate generated revenue to support the services included in the proposed budget, including additional units, a planned cost of living adjustment, contractual adjustments, and an increase from FRS.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item G into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter indicated that the proposed Miami-Dade Library System operating millage was .2812 mills which is 7.78 percent above the State-defined rollback rate of 0.2609 mills. He advised that the proposed millage rate generated revenues to support the services included in the proposed budget, a planned cost-of-living adjustment, and an increase in the FRS.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item H into the record noting that Mr. Clodfelter had additional changes to read into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter identified several proposed changes and scrivener's errors requiring correction to the "Information for First Budget Hearing � FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget" memorandum, outlined as follows:
Following the Board's September 3, 2025 adoption of a reduced solid waste collection rate of 0.7 percent�lower than originally proposed�the Solid Waste Department required a corresponding adjustment. As part of the package distributed prior to the meeting, this new rate necessitated decreasing both revenues and expenses by $700,000 in the Solid Waste collection operations fund;
Additionally, the budget memorandum inadvertently excluded Capital Project Program 5555621 Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program; and should be amended to include to include:
- The removal of the remaining one-cent capital improvement local option gas tax to be funded with reserves;
- The additional funding in FY 2024-25 identified by the Office of the Commission Auditor (OCA) in their September 3, 2025 memorandum, and vetted with the OMB, which identified an additional $1.925 million in UMSA, $1.272 million in Library District and $2.163 million in the Fire District; and
- The expenses from Air Rescue to the Countywide general fund.
Mayor Levine Cava expressed gratitude to County staff and community members for their participation in the budget process. She explained the Administration�s responsibility to provide accurate information to residents and expressed her intent to address recent misinformation.
Mayor Levine Cava explained that, for the first time, County government and the five constitutional offices had to be funded from the same budget. Although expenses had increased, revenues had not kept pace due to reductions in state and federal funding. However, the Administration was legally obligated to present a balanced budget.
Mayor Levine Cava noted that in July 2025, she had presented the BCC with a budget that closed the gap by streamlining government and identifying efficiencies. This approach included adjusting non-essential services and consolidating departments to reduce overhead, while protecting core services such as public safety and transportation, and maintaining a historically low tax rate. She stated that the updated proposed budget before the Board was even stronger.
Mayor Levine Cava shared that over the course of 20 town hall meetings, beginning in May 2025, the input of residents shaped the budget process and guided the Administration in preparing the proposed budget. She noted that the community requested continued support for arts and culture, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), parks, and other priorities.
Mayor Levine Cava expressed appreciation to the Constitutional Officers who listened to community needs and returned $66 million of unspent funds to support the budget, in addition to other funds identified through departmental adjustments. She addressed comments suggesting that the Administration had �found� additional funding during the process, clarifying that this was not true. Under the new budget process established by the State of Florida, constitutional offices were required to return unspent funds by the end of the fiscal year, not earlier, which made it difficult to plan for their allocation.
Mayor Levine Cava noted with the resources returned by the constitutional offices, funding was restored for several key community priorities. This included increased investment in public safety, with a historic $1.1 billion allocated to the Sheriff. Additional priorities addressed were road repairs, protections for seniors, and the partial restoration of funding for CBOs. Funding for arts and culture was nearly fully restored, while parks programming was completely restored. Mayor Levine Cava noted that the Administration also eliminated proposed parking fees and reduced the Special Transportation Services (STS) fare increase to 25 cents. She further noted that the Tax Collector provided updated revenue projections, which added an additional $5.3 million.
Mayor Levine Cava noted that the community had expressed great concern regarding the increasing gas tax. She advised that the proposed budget had been amended to eliminate any gas tax increase and instead take those funds from existing countywide reserves. However, she recommended using the new revenue realized by the tax collector to strengthen the reserves in UMSA, Fire and Library budgets.
Mayor Levine Cava addressed the continued misinformation circulating regarding public safety, noting that public safety had been her top priority since being elected Mayor and that her commitment remained unwavering. She stated that she had honored the Sheriff�s request for full funding to ensure that Miami-Dade County remained one of the safest metropolitan communities in the nation. She noted that major investments had been made in Fire and Rescue, including well-deserved and long-overdue raises and stronger benefits for firefighters. More than 600 new firefighters had been hired, and 21 units had been added to expand service. She further noted that Air Rescue services remained unchanged in the proposed budget.
Mayor Levine Cava explained that despite shifting the costs of Air Rescue into the Fire budget and fulfilling collective bargaining agreement commitments, the Fire Rescue District remained financially healthy, with approximately $40 million in carryover for the following year. She acknowledged that there were concerns regarding this change; therefore, the Administration had worked with Commissioner Regalado to amend the proposed budget. The amendment shifted the cost of Air Rescue from Fire Rescue back to the countywide general fund over a two-year period, drawing those funds from reserves.
She further noted that transportation remained a key priority for residents, highlighting that Miami-Dade County (MDC) had become the fastest-growing transportation system in the country and was currently the tenth largest system nationwide. She stated that the Administration had worked diligently to maintain core transportation services and protect services for the most vulnerable. Currently 40% of riders received free or discounted fares, and MDC provided a much higher availability of free services than most transportation systems across the country. She noted that a small transit fee increase, the first since 2013, would support continued growth and prevent service cuts.
Mayor Levine Cava also acknowledged the reliance of many residents on Metro Connect and affirmed that the Administration recognized this need. Accordingly, a plan was being prepared to present to the Board during the second Budget Hearing to continue providing this service.
In conclusion, Mayor Levine Cava stated that she was proud to present a balanced, fair, and accountable budget that protected core services while continuing to move MDC forward.
Chairman Rodriguez opened the public hearing and announced that comments would be limited to one minute. The following individuals appeared before the Board:
Ms. Alina Garcia noted that she was the first elected Supervisor of Elections and discussed her responsibilities in that role and provided an overview of the department�s duties. She stated that she had been directed to remain focused on the budget while keeping residents at the center of all decisions. Ms. Garcia further indicated that the elections team had agreed upon an operating budget that would ensure adequate resources in preparation for the 2026 election cycle. In closing, Ms. Garcia reported that in the current fiscal year, the department was expected to return $3.5 million in carryover funds, which was $1.5 million more than previously projected.
Mr. Dariel Fernandez noted that he and his staff worked hard to save money and return millions back to the community. He mentioned that a new tax bill insert that provided residents an easy way to support local organizations. Mr. Fernandez urged the Board to focus on public safety and core services. Additionally, Mr. Fernandez noted that he and staff were fully committed to working closely with the Board to serve the community.
Mr. Tomas Regalado, noted just as the other constitutional offices, he worked diligently for the people of the community and had given back $9 million of his budget. He suggested these funds be used to restore funding to the programs for seniors. He also spoke in support of the CBO Lotus House.
Ms. Renee Pesci Smith, Executive Director, Arts and Business Council of Miami, 1637 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Sharon Frazier Stephens, 6324 NE 1ST Place, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Kenneth Kilpatrick, Executive Director, The Alternative Programs, 3300 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Walker Mosely, Regional Director, Guitars Over Guns, 2876 SW 21st Street, Miami, Florida.
Dr. Jeff Murray, ICC Director, The Alternative Programs, 3300 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Lowell Dunn, II, The Lowell S & Betty Dunn Family Foundation, 8083 NW 103rd Street, Hialeah Gardens, Florida.
Ms. Alba Hernandez, 8050 NW Miami Court, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Andi Allen, State Director, Best Buddies, 100 SE 2nd Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Rachel Descollines, Family Action Network Movement (FANM), 12842 NW 23rd Place, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Katherine Gilson-Miranda, Best Buddies, 7700 SW 72nd Court, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Paul Christian Namphy, Political Director and Lead Organizer, FANM, 1431 NW 202nd Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Margaret Ledford, 2351 SW 16TH Court, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Jos� Arriaza, Engage Miami, 3620 NW 30th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Frances Yanes, 90 Alton Road, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Emily Cardenas, Executive Director, Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion, 9889 Hammocks Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Caroline Pihan, 2825 Prairie Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Karen Peterson Corash, Artistic Director and Founder, Karen Peterson and Dancers, 11760 SW 72nd Avenue, Pinecrest, Florida.
Mr. Jos� Martinez, Voices of Soar Park, 8050 NW Miami Court, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Marilyn Holifield, Board Chair, Miami Musuem of Contemporary Art of African Diaspora (Miami MOCAAD), 701 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Raimundo Ricardo, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 953 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Natalie Herradon, Director of Case Management Services, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 11337 SW 71st Lane, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Larry Fields, CEO and Artistic Director, Fantasy Theater Factory, 441 NE 145th Street, Miami, Florida
Ms. Briyana Joseph, 1740 NW 71st Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Mitch Morris, Board Chair-elect, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 900 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Erin Cover, Senior Education and Engagement Manager, Miami Waterkeeper, 201 NW 7th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Jackeline Benzecry, UX/UI Manager, Miami Waterkeeper, 2121 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Dr. Rachel Silverstein, CEO, Miami Waterkeeper, no address given.
Ms. Natalia Tohme, Miami Waterkeeper, 1514 SW 99th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Del Edwards, Miami Waterkeeper, 2121 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida.
Mr. William Delgado, The Advocacy Collective, 13501 NW 107th Avenue, Hialeah Gardens, Florida.
Ms. Viviana Alvarado Pacheco, Senior Director, The Women�s Fund Miami-Dade, 9636 SW 159th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Amanda Altman, CEO, Kristi House, 1265 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Dr. Kendra Hawley, President, American Federation of Musicians, Local 655, 7601 East Treasure Drive, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Mercedes Cabrera, Catalyst Miami, 221 Baker Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Morris Beasley, 1000 West Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Tamara Burch, The Key Clubhouse of South Florida, 8301 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Gabriel Ise, Transit Alliance Miami, 118 NE 102nd Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Jamie Sutta, Founder and Executive Artistic Director, Vocal Youth Miami, 5943 SW 59th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Richelle Vargas, 13890 SW 56th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Rachel Northrop, 540 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Nathaniel Sandler, Founding Director, Bookleggers Library, 1900 Meridien Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Vivian Marthell, Arts Action Miami, Miami Cultural Coalition, and O Cinema, 515 NE 121st Street, North Miami, Florida.
Ms. Kerry Ann Royes, President and CEO, YWCA South Florida, 351 NW 5th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Miriam Singer, CEO, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 12000 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Angeline Evans, YWCA South Florida, 11300 SW 120th Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Nicholas Ostermann, 3160 NW 42nd Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Carol Coombes, Miami Beach Pride, 1754 Meridien Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Tom Carney, People Acting for Community Together (PACT), 824 Cortez Street, Coral Gables, Florida.
Ms. Gladys Ramirez, 3552 Magellan Circle, Aventura, Florida.
*After Ms. Ramirez spoke, Vice Chairman McGhee requested CA Bonzon-Keenan place a legislative hold on the information Ms. Ramirez mentioned about percentages on permits.*
Mr. Theo Reyna, Senior Director of Institutional Giving, New World Symphony, 7510 Byron Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Michele Scanlan on behalf of Gonzalo Garcia, Miami City Ballet, 2200 Liberty Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Mr. Leon Gomberg, 20505 NE 22nd Court, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Karen Deleon, The Education Fund, 1935 South Hibiscus Drive, North Miami, Florida.
Dr. Melody Stein, 6001 SW 70th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Ja�naiylan Green, Girl Power Rocks, 1600 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. John Bussel, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 9405 East Broadview Drive, Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.
Ms. Helen Vilorio, Director of Programs, Girl Power Rocks, 1600 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Vanessa Ressler, Chair, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 12000 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Rashada Campbell, Girl Power Rocks, 1600 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Jennifer DiFiglia, Arts Access Miami, 714 NE 73rd Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Roberta DePietro, Treasurer, on behalf of Ms. Reta Logan, Greater Miami Festival and Events Association, 1255 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Marcelo Balladares, Everglades Organizer, Sierra Club Florida, 161 SW 73rd Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Maria Claudia, Catalyst Miami, 10063 Costa del Sol Boulevard, Doral, Florida.
Ms. Anaruth Flores, 9280 SW 123rd Court, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Camila Rocha, President and CEO, Easter Seals South Florida, 1475 NW 14th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Andrew Nathanson, 18181 NE 31st Court, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Avis Warren, 10265 SW 180th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Ana Someillan, Executive Director, Adults Mankind Organization, 11025 SW 84th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Sumaiyah Wade, Engage Miami, 10800 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Sonia O�Farrill, Executive Director, O�Farrill Learning Center, 6486 SW 13th Street, West Miami, Florida.
Ms. Melissa Viteri, Engage Miami, 10800 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Tala Habash, Communications Manager, Transit Alliance Miami, 2150 Coral Way, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Mahlia Lindquist, Executive Director, Ladies Empowerment & Action Program (LEAP), 1206 Madrid Street, Coral Gables, Florida.
Ms. Christina Biandola, Director, LEAP, 41 NW 16th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Alexis McCray, 3035 SW 18th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Luisa Suarez, 161 NE 42nd Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Anita Mattner, Miami Music Project, 333 University Drive, Coral Gables, Florida.
Mr. Brian Douglas, Miami Workers Center, 249 NW 6th Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Brad Meltzer, Chair, Voices for Children Foundation, 50 North Hibiscus Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Yovany Martinez, Miami Workers Center, 7600 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Scott Singer, Immediate Past Chairperson, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 1900 Diana Drive, Hallandale Beach, Florida.
Mr. Nicholas Duran, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Transit Alliance Miami, 2150 Coral Way, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Monica Vigues-Pitan, CEO, Legal Services of Greater Miami, 4343 West Flagler, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Zelalem Adefris, CEO, Catalyst Miami, 1236 Drexel Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Mr. Joseph Bermudez, Program Director, Citizens� Crime Watch of Miami-Dade, 1515 NW 79th Avenue, Doral, Florida.
Ms. Amanda Keeley, Founder and Director, EXILE Projects, 2645 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Joy Spill, Past Board Chair, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 4200 Royal Palm Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Michelle Grant-Murray, 8210 SW 203rd Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Maria Llorens, Policy Director, Miami Workers Center, 725 NW 55th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Patricia Lugo, 10800 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Phil Her, 8962 SW 142nd Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Shekina Dellmar Donaldson, 2100 NW 192nd Terrace, Miami Gardens, Florida.
Ms. Renan Ulloa, 27905 SW 132nd Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Jennifer Harrison, 90 SW 3rd Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Barbara Johnson, Miami Workers Center, 650 NE 149th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Fernanda Jorgensen, Executive Director, Philanthropy Miami, 2001 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida.
Ms. CeCe Brown, President, AFSCME Local 199, 4349 NW 36th Street, Miami Springs, Florida.
Ms. Cathy Dos Santos, Executive Director, Transit Alliance Miami, 2150 Coral Way, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Giancarlo De Motta, 2721 SW 28th Court, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Maritza Carvajal, New Hope C.O.R.P.S., 9655 SW 152nd Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Michelle Prescott, Board Chair, Historic Hampton House, address withheld.
Ms. Bianca Montenegro, PACT, 13710 SW 272nd Street, Naranja, Florida.
Ms. Mercedes Acosta, Miami Workers Center, 10411 NW 129th Street, Hialeah Gardens, Florida.
Ms. Kyle East, 2133 Calle Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.
Mr. Phillip Cordella, PACT, 3230 SW 94th Court, Miami, Florida.
Reverend Ana Jackson, PACT, 8350 NW 14th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Leopoldo Coronado, Chief Operating Officer, Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 1424 Sorolla Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida.
Ms. Carmen Benitez, Community Liaison, Urban Health Partnerships, 8625 NW 8th Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Charles Fisher, 635 Euclid Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Wren Ruiz, Director of Healthy Streets and Public Spaces, Urban Health Partnerships, 1800 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Norma Reboredo, Advocacy for the Elders, 29 15th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Nattaliah Earle, Collective Impact and Program Manager, Urban Health Partnerships, 1800 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Phoebe Gasson, 1333 South Redland Road, Florida City, Florida.
Ms. Olga Thomasello, Urban Health Partnerships, 1800 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Nick Mayor, Engage Miami, 930 SW 124th Court, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Amy Morales, Advocacy and Policy Director, Engage Miami, 829 SW 9th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Lidia Calzado Taquechel, 225 NE 23rd Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Rachel Prestipino, Vice President of Policy and Community Engagement, Catalyst Miami, 300 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Madeline Maynard, PACT, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, Florida.
Ms. Leslie Mendoza, Executive Director, CABA Pro Bono Legal Services, 2400 South Dixie Highway, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Pitchie Escarment, no address given.
Mr. Jared Simon, 3800 Irvington Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Margaret Jones Alonso, 8825 SW 182nd Terrace, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Harry Wallace, Historic Hampton House, 14480 SW 37Th Street, Miramar, Florida.
Ms. Dinah Escarment, Organization Director, Escarment Foundation for the Needy, 808 NE 125th Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Chris Simpson, MDFR, 8045 SW 187th Terrace, Cutler Bay, Florida.
Mr. Rafael Egues, MDFR, 5751 SW 58th Court, South Miami, Florida.
Ms. Milagros Tejon, Camillus House, no address given.
Ms. Ella Frias, 7000 Tatum Waterway Drive, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Hannah Baumgarten, Founding Co-Artistic Director, Dance NOW! Miami and Arts Action Miami, 900 Bay Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.
Mr. Sean Tansey, New Hope Corps, 630 NE 12th Street, Homestead, Florida.
Former State Representative, District 108, Roy Hardemon, 1292 NW 79th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Isabella Rodriguez, Elections Executive Director, Citizens Defending Freedom, 12903 SW 50th Lane, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Brian Gonzalez, New Hope Corps, 16972 SW 304th Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. James Bretthauer, New Hope Corps, 10821 Caribbean Boulevard, Cutler Bay, Florida.
Mr. Stephan Viaud, New Hope Corps, 1020 North Krome Avenue, Homestead, Florida.
Ms. Amanda Fischer, 57 NE 44th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Beth Boone, Artistic and Executive Director, Miami Light Project, 9806 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, Florida.
Ms. Bernice Yanez, 500 NE 29th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Jenneva Clauss, Associate Organizer, PACT, 1233 Marseille Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.
Mr. Paul Blake, MDFR, 8000 NW 21st Street, Doral, Florida.
Mr. Noel Cleland, PACT, 5990 SW 50th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Susan Khoury, 11274 SW 64th Lane, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Howard Herring, President, New World Symphony, 330 SW 26th Road, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Steven Leidner, Vice Chair, Sierra Club Florida, 1130 102nd Street, Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.
Ms. Evelyn Arana, 7125 Sunset Drive, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Broadway Harewood, CEO, Broadway Musical Art District, 6214 NW Broadway Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Shirley Richardson, 650 SW 124th Terrace, Pembroke Pines, Florida
Ms. Amy Ziemba, 7570 SW 82nd Street, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Hill Blackett, 1000 West Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Katrina Ciraldo, 1000 West Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Mr. Mario Ambrose, Vice President, AFSCME Local 199, 17948 NW 40th Court, Miami Gardens, Florida.
Pastor Jacques Saint Louis, Little Haiti Housing Association, 8400 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Dr. Jos� Moran, 3640 SW 129th Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Karina Sibata, 855 Euclid Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Amanda Aviles, 8135 SW 92nd Court, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Kathleen Elliot, Vice President, Mahogany Youth Organization, 1060 NW 85th Street, Miami, Florida
Mr. Eric H. Braswell, 11979 SW 92nd Lane, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Juan Jos� Escalante, Executive Director, Miami City Ballet, 1410 Mercado Avenue, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Rebecca Pelham, Executive Director, Engage Miami, 1011 Bay Drive, Miami Beach, Florida.
Ms. Claudia Rodriguez, South Florida Anti-War Committee, 12824 SW 12th Terrace, Miami, Florida.
Mr. Samuel Williams, 3250 NW 48th Terrace, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Blanquita Qui�ones, 20736 SW 81st Place, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Krystal Rodriguez, The CLEO Institute, 6115 NW 186th Street, Hialeah, Florida.
Ms. Gypsy Metellus, Executive Director, Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center, 515 NW 107th Street, Miami, Florida.
Ms. Adela Belcazar, Breakthrough Miami, no address given.
Mr. Elijah Bowdre, Chairman, Miami-Dade Digital Commission and Miami-Dade Cryptocurrency Task Force.
Seeing no one else come forward to speak, Chairman Rodriguez closed the public hearing.
Chairman Rodriguez expressed appreciation to those in attendance at tonight�s meeting. He emphasized that the Board�s top priority was ensuring full funding for essential services, including public safety, parks, public works, and transit. He announced that the Board had reached an agreement with the Sheriff and stated that it was the Board�s responsibility to ensure residents received necessary services while maintaining low taxes.
Chairman Rodriguez explained that upon assuming his tenure as Board Chairman, he established the Appropriations Committee (APC) with three primary responsibilities: reviewing all budget items and policies with fiscal impact, identifying potential savings to reduce overall costs, and delivering results. He noted that, as a result of the committee�s efforts, reductions were achieved in water and sewer and solid waste fees. He added that he continued to challenge the Administration to identify additional savings moving forward.
Chairman Rodriguez further stated that he was aware that the Administration and several commissioners had been working diligently to restore MetroConnect. He urged the Board to find a solution to fully restore the appropriate MetroConnect corridors to adequately serve residents. He expressed appreciation to the Tax Collector for working to secure over $26 million, which was funding he would have returned at the end of next year; he noted those funds were used to strengthen the county�s reserve funds, support cultural organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBO�s), eliminate proposed parking fees and restore all the Parks and Recreation Department�s programming that was originally cut in the initial budget.
Chairman Rodriguez expressed appreciation to Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz for working with him and the Administration as part of a fully funded budget agreement. He noted that more than $14 million had been redirected to support additional police academy classes, enabling the hiring of much-needed police officers in the upcoming budget.
Chairman Rodriguez also expressed appreciation to Elections Supervisor Alina Garcia for her support in identifying additional funding for the budget. He stated that, together, they had identified $3.5 million in savings. Of that amount, $2 million had already been committed by the Administration, leaving $1.5 million available. He further noted that this remaining amount, combined with the $1.9 million identified in the Commission Auditor�s report, should be reinvested in the UMSA which had been at risk of being cut from the budget.
Lastly, Chairman Rodriguez stated that he did not support any fee increases or tax increases in the budget. He explained that although the Board could vote to increase fees, he preferred to pursue options to eliminate or reduce certain fees by continuing to work with the Administration to identify additional savings rather than raising costs for residents. He noted that his opposition to increases was based on the cumulative impact of multiple adjustments, including increases to solid waste fees, water and sewer rates, and transit fares.
In closing, Chairman Rodriguez reaffirmed the County�s longstanding commitment to supporting the State of Israel. He stated that Israel was an ally and a friend of the County, and that investing in Israel bonds was a sound financial decision. He reiterated that, during challenging times, Miami-Dade County stood firm with the people of Israel and supported their right to live in peace, security, and prosperity.
Commissioner Steinberg addressed residents who had spoken regarding Israel bonds. Although the Board was not voting on Israel bonds, she provided a brief history of how the bonds had been acquired. She explained that the bonds had an average yield of 5.01 percent, which was highly competitive and approximately 30 to 50 basis points higher than many federal agency bonds, and that the bonds were of investment-grade quality. She further noted that the County�s portfolio maintained sufficient liquidity and that the funds used to purchase the bonds were not available to fill any budgetary gaps, as the portfolios were separate.
Commissioner Steinberg stated that the bonds were legally compliant and rejected what she described as inaccurate and offensive narratives surrounding them. She added that her support for Israel bonds was based not only on the quality of the investment but also on support for Israel as an ally and the only democracy in the Middle East.
Senator Garcia stated that he appreciated the Board members� comments in support of Israel and emphasized that Israel bonds were intended to generate a strong return on investment and should not be treated as a political issue. He also expressed appreciation for the Administration�s efforts to restore funding to various CBOs and County services.
However, Senator Garcia conveyed concern regarding the original budget presented to the Board, noting that the budget reflected the priorities of the community and how the community wished to allocate its resources. He stated that the arts played an important role in the community and that reducing arts funding would not support the County�s goal of becoming a metropolitan area capable of attracting additional businesses and residents.
Senator Garcia further expressed concern that, despite his request for a report detailing unfunded open County positions, he had not received the information. He indicated that identifying funded but vacant positions could provide an opportunity to reallocate resources to close the budget gap and support CBOs in need of funding. Additionally, he noted the lack of a list identifying all funded positions that had remained vacant for six months or more, as well as the absence of a transparent, line-by-line budget. Senator Garcia inquired whether such a list of funded positions that had been vacant for more than six months was available.
Responding to Senator Garcia�s inquiry, Mayor Levine Cava advised that the requested list had been sent to him on Friday, August 29, 2025. She explained that the list represented only a snapshot in time, noting that positions were filled as employees retired or resigned. She further stated that some positions had been placed on hold and would either be filled or remain vacant following adoption of the budget. Mayor Levine Cava added that several of the positions identified were public safety roles within the Fire and Corrections Departments.
Further elaborating on Mayor Levine Cava�s comments, Mr. Clodfelter indicated that the list he forwarded included all departments, identified vacancies, and distinguished between funded and unfunded amounts. He reported that the general fund portion totaled approximately $23 million, while the remaining funding, consisting of proprietary and other restricted funds, totaled approximately $112 million.
Senator Garcia expressed further concern, stating that funding for CBOs serving children, individuals with disabilities, and seniors had been reduced. He opined that the budget was misleading and that the figures he received regarding vacant but funded positions were illegible.
Mayor Levine Cava responded to Senator Garcia�s comments, explaining that the budget contained a $402 million gap. Following an extensive review, each department identified reductions ranging from 10 to 20 percent, and the Administration presented a balanced budget to the Board on July 15, 2025. She noted that surplus funds were later identified from constitutional offices, enabling certain programs to be restored. Mayor Levine Cava clarified that the Administration proposed the level of funding currently before the Board.
Mayor Levine Cava acknowledged the difficulty of balancing the budget and choosing among funding CBOs, maintaining essential County services, and repairing infrastructure. She expressed appreciation to the Board for developing creative ideas to generate new revenue streams and indicated that any measures taken to close funding gaps would rely on one-time funding, as long-term funding was not guaranteed. She added that resources would need to be distributed among the new offices to reflect the new fiscal reality and stated her support for efforts to provide additional assistance to vital CBOs.
Senator Garcia stated that no action had been taken to reduce the budget and that expenditures were not decreasing. He noted his desire to identify savings, emphasizing that the issue was not a revenue problem but an expenditure problem. He further stated that, since taxes would not be raised, the size of government needed to be reduced.
Mayor Levine Cava responded to Senator Garcia�s comments, noting that many items included in the proposed budget were directives from the Board. She stated that the tax rate had been lowered for two consecutive years and that essential vacant positions had been identified. She reiterated that each department had reduced its general fund budget by 10 to 20 percent and, therefore, it was inaccurate to assert that no cuts had been made. She added that the Administration had fulfilled the Board�s directives. Mayor Levine Cava outlined the potential consequences of cutting or reducing various services and freezing vacant positions, noting that the proposed increases were modest and necessary to maintain service levels.
Senator Garcia inquired where savings would be identified and requested detailed information for each department, including how long each vacant position had remained open.
Dr. Edwards provided additional details regarding departmental vacant positions. She explained that providing the data with precision was difficult because it changed daily. She noted that a snapshot of the data showed 191 funded vacant positions in the General Fund, totaling approximately $23 million.
Dr. Edwards stated that, through the budgeting process, more than $184 million in vacant positions had been frozen or eliminated. She explained that the 191 positions that remained funded were considered rolling vacancies, meaning that when a position became vacant, it needed to be filled because it provided critical services. She further noted that some employees had left to join constitutional offices and that many had retired, reiterating that these positions needed to be filled to maintain service levels.
Based on the Administration�s fiduciary responsibilities and its obligation to meet community needs, Dr. Edwards stated that it would be irresponsible to remove funding for the 191 positions and noted that recruitment efforts were currently underway to fill them.
Further discussion ensued between Senator Garcia and Chairman Rodriguez regarding the funding of vacant positions and the potential restoration of cultural arts and other priorities.
Commissioner Gonzalez inquired about the report received on August 29 detailing 180 positions funded by the General Fund, totaling approximately $23 million. He noted that he received an updated memorandum today (9/40 which reflected the addition of nine positions and questioned the funding amount associated with those additional positions.
Dr. Edwards responded to Commissioner Gonzalez�s question, explaining that �sweeping� vacant position funding was challenging because estimates had to be based on salary ranges. She reiterated that the number of employees resigning, retiring, or being terminated changed daily. She noted that an exact figure could not be provided because a newly hired employee might receive a starting salary that was either lower or higher than that of the previous employee. Therefore, the estimate was calculated using the applicable pay grade and salary range associated with each position.
Dr. Edwards further explained that a detailed spreadsheet with pivot tables had been prepared, which identified each position, its pay grade, the current employee�s salary, and the projected salary for a replacement. She noted that, in some cases, a replacement could be hired at a lower salary, while in other instances, particularly for highly skilled or technical roles, the replacement might be hired at a higher salary.
She clarified that, even with the addition of the 9 positions, the estimated total based on salary ranges for the 182 positions was $23,086,702. After running the report and reviewing the salary ranges today, she stated that the variance was not statistically significant enough to conclude that the figure had increased by millions of dollars and remained approximately $23 million.
Later during the meeting Dr. Edwards responded to Commissioner Gonzalez� earlier inquiry regarding whether or not the Medical Examiner's salary was included in the figures she provided, and if it was, how it affected the $23 million.
Commissioner Gonzalez requested that Dr. Edwards provide a report by the following week detailing all vacant positions that had remained open for more than six months.
Commissioner Bastien commended Mayor Levine Cava and her staff for the progress made on the proposed budget; however, she expressed several concerns. She emphasized the need to adopt a budget that supported greater housing affordability, enhanced public safety in neighborhoods, improved infrastructure, increased investment in the arts and community-based organizations, and expanded public transportation options. She noted ongoing challenges, including rising housing costs, gun violence, and limited mobility, which disproportionately affected the most vulnerable residents, particularly low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals with disabilities.
Commissioner Bastien stated that District 2 was underserved and under-resourced, citing unpaved roads and streetlights in disrepair that created dangerous nighttime conditions. She added that many residents in her district struggled with housing instability and safety concerns, had limited access to public transportation, and faced increasing rents without relief. She observed that each year the proposed budget presented an opportunity to address these issues, yet meaningful progress had not been achieved.
Addressing affordable housing, Commissioner Bastien noted that some residents were forced to choose between paying rent and purchasing food, underscoring the County�s need to invest in affordable housing solutions. She further stated that when programs failed to achieve their intended outcomes, the Board had a responsibility to implement solutions that addressed both the short- and long-term housing needs of the community.
Commissioner Bastien also expressed concern that the proposed budget included no allocations to address the deteriorating infrastructure in District 2, noting that none of the $38 million designated for road repairs had been directed to her district.
Commissioner Higgins expressed concern regarding the underfunding of CBOs She discussed MetroConnect and noted that she had worked with the Administration to develop a solution that would provide substantial savings while maintaining high service levels, which she anticipated would be finalized by September 20, 2025. She requested that CBO funding be increased and suggested using a portion of the F�d�ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) funds for that purpose. Commissioner Higgins also pointed out a new source of revenue generated from the School Zone Speed Detection System program, explaining that these funds were distributed among the 13 districts rather than deposited into the County�s General Fund. She indicated that later in the meeting, she would propose an amendment to reallocate District 5�s School Zone Speed Detection System distribution, estimated at approximately $17,000, to the Countywide General Fund to support eligible public safety initiatives.
Commissioner Milian Orbis stated that she was pleased the proposed gas tax increase had been eliminated, the fees for entry into A.D. Barnes Park and Tropical Park had been removed, and the Sheriff�s Office had been fully funded. However, she expressed concern regarding the level of funding allocated to the fire districts, noting that any action that hindered firefighters� ability to save lives was detrimental. She emphasized that residents who contributed to the fire districts should not be required to bear the cost of services provided outside their districts.
Commissioner Milian Orbis also indicated that she required clarification regarding PROS and noted that, although she had requested a list detailing the proposed programming for elimination and restoration within the department, she had not yet received it. She further noted that, during a Committee of the Whole meeting, she had referenced potential adjustments to items such as the Resilient 305 strategy, Biscayne Bay marketing, and various other marketing initiatives, but had not received the requested information. She questioned whether this information would be provided prior to the next budget hearing.
Responding to Commissioner Milian Orbis� inquiry, Mayor Levine Cava stated that she would review the aforementioned items to determine whether there was a way to recapture General Fund dollars.
Commissioner Milian Orbis noted that the proposed budget requested a waiver of the allocated funding to the Ludlam Trail Trust Fund and pointed out that Ordinance No. 21-109 had been adopted by the Board to establish and provide an annual allocation to that Trust Fund for the development of the Ludlam Trail, which had been promised to residents. She further noted that the project could have a positive impact on the community by connecting the Underline and the entire Miami Loop and emphasized that it should no longer be placed on the back burner.
Commissioner Milian Orbis requested that the Administration identify a way to restore funding to the Ludlam Trail Trust Fund and include this information in the second proposed budget memorandum.
Commissioner Gilbert III stated that, after listening to public and fellow commissioners' comments, it was necessary to establish expectations and responsibilities. He expressed appreciation to everyone who attended and addressed the Board during tonight's meeting.
Regarding comments about the millage rate, he suggested that residents attend the Board meeting at which the maximum millage rate was set, noting that the limited amount of funding available had been determined by the millage rate established approximately one month earlier. He explained how funds were allocated within the budget and how those allocations correlated to the millage rate. Commissioner Gilbert III further noted that, although the Board desired to fund all CBOs and services, it was not possible, emphasizing the distinction between what the Board wished to fund and what it was obligated to fund.
He addressed comments suggesting that the FIFA event should be defunded and explained that the County had submitted a bid and was awarded the event, thereby creating an obligation to fund it. Commissioner Gilbert III stated that a dedicated revenue source was needed to support CBOs because funding could not be drawn from existing revenue sources already obligated to other purposes. He acknowledged the difficulty of funding all CBOs at 100% but stated that the Board would continue working toward that goal.
Commissioner Gilbert III also noted that Mayor Levine Cava had repeatedly cautioned the Board and CBOs relying on nonrecurring revenues for funding, as had occurred over the previous four years, emphasizing that recurring activities could not be sustained without recurring revenue.
Commissioner Gonzalez turned Board members and staff�s attention towards the proposed PROS budget and questioned the allocation to �special community projects�.
Responding to Commissioner Gonzalez�s inquiry, Mayor Levine Cava explained that intent of the �special community projects� were projects to be identified and these had not yet been identified.
Mayor Levine Cava replied to Commissioner Gonzalez�s question if there was an estimate of how many projects there were by stating this had to be determined.
Regarding the entry of grants to outside organizations, Commissioner Gonzalez noted there was an increase of $1.8 million from the previous year. He continued that the Commissioner Auditor�s August 20, 2025 report, $450,000 was accounted for a contingency reserve and asked about this reserve.
Mayor Levine Cava asked Ms. White and Mr. Coley to answer Commissioner Gonzalez�s question.
Ms. White indicated the reserve was a subset for the community events allocation and was one of the line items in the community events. She added that the community events were a component of the special community projects and confirmed that the events were to be determined and were being developed.
Commissioner Gonzalez confirmed with Ms. White that the special contingency reserves were for special community projects planned throughout the year. He pointed out that PROS received funds from RER, DTPW and DSWM for personnel and operating costs related to environmental education services, commercial and agricultural/horticultural programs, and homeowner horticultural programs which totaled about $204,000. He asked Ms. White to explain the programs.
Ms. Christina White explained that one of the programs was a cooperative extension with the University of Florida, which was not outsourced, the horticulture programs educated communities about agriculture, while the other departments also provided funding to PROS for the departments� roadway maintenance operations.
Commissioner Gonzalez requested Ms. White to provide him with metrics on the horticulture programs by the following week.
Commissioner Gonzalez raised the topic of the proposed consolidation of ITD and CCED. He pointed out that the consolidated department�s budget would increase to $1.778 million from the General Fund when compared to the departments� individual budgets in 2024. He inquired about what would be the budgetary savings from the consolidation.
Dr. Edwards replied that both departments would have increased personnel costs from collective bargaining agreements and salary increases but did not have the information about the savings derived from consolidating the departments.
Commissioner Gonzalez requested Dr. Edwards provide him with printed information the following week on what were the budgetary savings from the consolidation. He also asked her to provide an explanation for increased operating costs from both departments in the proposed budget.
Dr. Edwards indicated she would provide the information and reminded Commissioner Gonzalez that the increases came from salary increases and collective bargaining agreements.
Commissioner Gonzalez asked if other operating costs can be used for salaries, which was listed as in the budget as being increased by $8 million.
Ms. Mariaelana Salazar explained that the other operating costs, which increased, were from maintenance expenses. She would provide more details on each line item to Commissioner Gonzalez at his discretion. She clarified that the $ 8million in other operating costs could not be used for collective bargaining agreement salaries and the consolidation would save $1.5 million.
Commissioner Gonzalez asked Ms. Salazar to provide the information on the line items by next week. He also requested details on $14.3 million allocated for payments of operating systems maintenance in the other operating costs budget.
Commissioner Gonzalez pointed out that in the Commission Auditor�s report $2.4 million had been identified for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System to provide software maintenance. He asked about the historic allocation for the maintenance which was usually lower than the amount he noted.
Mr. Yinka Majekundumi confirmed with Commissioner Gonzalez that historically less revenue was spent on the ERP allocation.
Commissioner Gonzalez asked Mr. Majekundumi for the actual amount of revenue that was historically spent. He also questioned why there was an increase in funding for software maintenance.
Mr. Majekundumi answered that ITD had not been able to explain the reason for the increase, but noted there were natural escalations in contractual obligations, however the increase was larger than expected.
Commissioner Gonzalez suggested Mr. Majekundumi collaborate with ITD to get the requested information
Commissioner Gonzalez pointed out that $3.1 million was allocated by ITD for the implementation of a platform as a service and a consolidation of multiple licenses but discontinued tools to save funds were not identified. He asked both departments which tools were discontinued and how much revenue would be saved.
Ms. Insom Kin explained that the allocation was not for a new system but was for the third year of a multi-year contract for a sales force customer relation management system, which had incremental increases as part of its terms. She noted that the department�s sales force updated the contract to allow a new method of using the agent force system and this would increase efficiency and improve customer service.
After Commissioner Gonzalez asked for clarification, Ms. Kim replied that CCED studied how many licenses the department had and were using and the updated contract allowed them to shift away from the unused products and focus on what they would use.
Commissioner Gonzalez inquired about how different the new product was from the original product and how much revenue would be saved.
Ms. Kim acknowledged the original product was not cancelled and there would be no changes in savings.
Mr. Majekundumi noted that based on his department�s review the line item increased due to the conversion of the licenses.
Commissioner Gonzalez pointed out there was a 40% increase in personnel for the SPD. He asked what changes were expected in the next FY to justify the increase and how many expiring contracts and how many vendors SPD expected to service.
Ms. Namita Uppal explained the merger between SPD and Small Business Enterprise (SBE), which combined their personnel to 230. The budget proposed eliminating 50 positions, which left the merged department with 180 positions and seemed like an increase of 40%. She added that SPD was examining how to streamline functions of both departments.
In response to Commissioner Gonzalez�s question about the costs of the 98 positions from SBE that were transferred to SPD, Ms. Uppal reported the combined cost was 72.4% of the SPD budget was for personnel and amounted to $26 million.
Commissioner Gonzalez stated that 13 SBE positions supported vendor training, outreach and registration for events, and asked what about the cost of the positions.
Ms. Uppal did not have the information but explained that the outreach functions from both departments were being combined. She also indicated she would provide the requested information to Commissioner Gonzalez.
Commissioner Gonzalez asked for the cost of the 13 positions and an explanation of what tasks were done by the personnel in those positions in addition to outreach.
Ms. Uppal explained that the positions provided assistance to small business companies that worked with the County. At Commissioner Gonzalez�s request for clarification, she noted the Harvard Economic Development program provided a study that would help SPD standardize procurement positions across the County.
Commissioner Gonzalez sought information regarding Miami-Dade Fire Rescue�s (MDFR) budget for Air Rescue Bureau helicopter services and other operating expenses; specifically, $1 million allocated for director reserve.
Chief Raied �Ray� Jadallah replied that the allocation was for in-kind services related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup event (FIFA). He added that the cost increased to $1.5 million.
Responding to Commissioner Gonzalez�s question about an additional $1 million specifically allocated for FIFA, Chief Jadallah noted the allocation was a reserve for large scale events and was not designated for FIFA.
Commissioner Gonzalez requested that Chief Jadallah provide information about the funding source for the allocation by next week.
Commissioner Gonzalez pointed out that the Commissioner Auditor�s report indicated that DTPW did not provide accurate details on which of the department�s expenses were funded by the General Fund. He inquired about how many persons were in DTPW�s pothole repair crews serving UMSA, which received an allocation of $1.1 million in the
Ms. Stacy Miller reported that the department had four (4) pothole crews and had two persons per crew.
Commissioner Gonzalez noted that the department�s fleet replacement plan should have reduced overtime costs; however, it had increased from $59 million in the previous year to $71 million. He questioned why there was an increase.
Ms. Miller replied that there were adjustments to the Better Bus Network and in preparation for additional services to the Metro Express Bus Rapid Transit Service. She elaborated that the department embedded overtime costs associated with service schedules and was evaluating a process to lower overtime costs and control the budget.
Commissioner Gonzalez noted that in the proposed budget 37 positions would be transferred to DTPW from RER to enhance the coordination of stormwater management; there was also an increase of the stormwater utility fee which would raise about $8.5 million to fund operations and capital requirements. He asked how much of this amount $8.5 million would fund these positions.
Ms. Miller answered that the revenue was not associated with salaries for those positions but instead with capital improvement projects. She further explained the positions were already compensated.
Ms. Miller detailed the vacant positions of neighborhood enhancement teams specialists after being asked by Commissioner Gonzalez to provide information about the positions.
Commissioner Gonzalez requested Ms. Miller provide him by next week with information on how many vacant positions for construction and facilities monitor would be funded along with details about the positions, including their salaries, their duties and how many would be funded.
Commissioner Gonzalez also asked for a written explanation from Ms. Miller by next week on how the departments� external affairs division services overlapped with the CCED and he asked the administration if other departments had similar functions.
Commissioner Gonzalez inquired about the budget for Miami-Dade Animal Services (Animal Services) which allocated $41.5 million for public relations, specifically its community services and engagement division.
Ms. Annette Jose clarified the positions and their duties such as education campaigns, public engagement and media requests, and how the positions were financed.
Mayor Levine Cava stressed the importance of the positions to help boost pet adoptions and fostering in the County; she also said that Animal Services received a substantial number of media requests.
Ms. Jose informed Commissioner Gonzalez that there were only four (4) positions in public relations which were very specialized and specific to Animal Services.
Commissioner Gonzalez noted there were six (6) approved positions at the PHCD and confirmed with Mr. Nathan Kogon that two positions, Business Initiative Manager and Communications Manager, were funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Per Commissioner Gonzalez�s request, Mr. Kogon explained the two positions.
After Commissioner Gonzalez noted that the Office of Housing Advocacy was transferred to PHCD and asked how much the office would cost the department, Mr. Kogon replied that it would be about $700,000.
Commissioner Gonzalez also inquired what was the funding breakdown of the office.
Mr. Kogon answered that 100% of funding would come from HUD, which provided for Section 8 public housing and community development. He also noted there was a local surtax that provided funding for multi-family housing and home ownership. Mr. Kogon reported that for the Office of Housing Advocacy, 90% of it would be funded by federal funds and 10% from the state.
Commissioner Gonzalez indicated that $1 million from the General Fund was allocated for the Eviction Diversion Program and inquired who were the other primary service providers aside from legal services.
A representative from PHCD explained the other service providers were legal partners such as the Haitian Lawyers Association and the Wilke D. Ferguson Association, and the department had a civic partnership with the Miami Workers Center who also worked on the Eviction Diversion Program, and the partners handled 2,060 cases in 2024.
Commissioner Gonzalez asked how much was allocated to the organizations.
Mr. Kogon informed Commissioner Gonzalez that a breakdown of the allocations would be provided to him next week.
Commissioner Gonzalez questioned if any work from the Miami-Dade Department of Juvenile Services (Juvenile Services) and the Miami-Dade Community Action and Services Department, which were both combined into the Miami-Dade Community Services Department, was referred to CBOs.
Ms. Cathy Burgos explained this would depend on the assessment results from Juvenile Services, while CAHSD had its own social workers that provided direct services. She elaborated that there were circumstances that needed the work of the departments to be referred to CBOs, while other times the departments would not refer their work.
Commissioner Gonzalez questioned what the budgetary impact would be for transferring a senior advisor from the Office of Neighborhood Safety to the administration.
After Ms. Burgos replied she would acquire the answer, Commissioner Gonzalez requested information on what the senior advisor�s job duties would be.
Mayor Levine Cava pointed out that many positions, such as the senior advisor, were still being placed as the administration worked on the table of organization (TO). She stated she would provide the information to Commissioner Gonzalez next week.
Commissioner Gonzalez noted the department had an Energy and Facility Services Division whose budget increased to $11 million, had 27 employees, and administered over $2.33 million in state and federal grants for weatherization assistance and homes programs for 183 homes. He asked for detailed information on their job duties.
Ms. Sonia Grice explained that construction managers and inspectors went to homes to perform assessments on what weatherization services the homes needed. She added that health and safety issues had to be addressed first.
Mayor Levine Cava noted that the weatherization assistance program was federally funded.
Commissioner Gonzalez requested that Ms. Grice provide by next week written justification for $500,000 allocated to contractors related to the weatherization assistance program, who they were and the services they provided.
Commissioner Gonzalez inquired about the budget for PIOD.
Mr. Raymond Hall confirmed with Commissioner Gonzalez that the department�s budget increased by $1 million after it assumed management of two facilities, which required additional employees, including security personnel.
Commissioner Gonzalez requested that Mr. Hall provide him by next week with written justification for the expense of $5.35 million for miscellaneous expenses under the department�s Fuel Service Administration Division.
Commissioner Gonzalez pointed out that the PIOD budget included $690,000 allocated for consultants to help expedite affordable housing projects. He indicated the same allocation was in the FY 2024 budget and asked if the allocation was a carryover or if it was a new allocation.
Dr. Edwards answered that the allocation was a carryover.
Commissioner Gonzalez asked for a written report by next week from Mr. Hall explaining who the consultants were and their job functions.
Referring to the budget of the Miami-Dade Internal Services Department�s (ISD), Commissioner Gonzalez noted that there were projected savings for its PIOD�s license plate reader parking operation equipment for FY 2024. He inquired if those
savings were realized and taken into account for the FY 2025 budget.
Ms. Esmeralda Nieves-Giron answered that she would have to get that information.
Commissioner Gonzalez asked Ms. Nieves-Giron to provide the information to him in writing next week.
Commissioner Gonzalez questioned what employees who were transferred from SPD and RER to the WASD would do at WASD.
Mr. Coley clarified that one of the employees, a resilience program manager, would work on WASD�s procurement for construction.
Commissioner Gonzalez was informed by Mr. Coley that an outreach program for branding community recognition was eliminated from the WASD budget, and the department no longer included marketing in its budget.
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