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REPORT:
CA Geri Bonzon-Keenan advised that the County Mayor issued a memorandum titled �Supplemental Information for Second Budget Hearing - Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Proposed Budget� dated September 12, 2025, which was added to the agenda and amend the County Mayor�s memorandum titled �Information for Second Budget Hearing - FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget.� She announced the Board would conduct a public hearing at today�s meeting and adopt millage rates, set fees, rates, and other charges; and adopt budgets for Miami-Dade County for FY 2025-26. She advised there were eight (8) ordinances before the Board.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item A into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter indicated that the proposed countywide operating millage was 4.574 mills, which was 7.57% above the State defined rollback rate of 4.252. He noted that the proposed millage rate would generate revenue to support services included the proposed budget, including a planned cost of living adjustment (COLA), an increase for the Florida Retirement System (FRS), an increase to the maintenance of effort funding for the Jackson Health Systems.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item B into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter announced that the proposed countywide debt service millage rate was 0.4174 mills, 0.3228 mills for countywide debt service including the Building Better Communities Bond Program, Safe Neighborhood 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 D into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter advised that the proposed Unincorporated Municipal Service Area (UMSA) operating millage was 1.909 mills, which was 7.37% above the State defined rollback rate of 1.7779. He explained that the proposed millage rate would generate revenue to support the services included in the proposed budget, including a planned COLA and an increase for the FRS.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Items E and F into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter indicated that the proposed Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Service District operating millage was 2.3965 mills, which was 7.99% above the State defined rollback rate of 2.2191 mills. He noted the proposed millage rate would generate revenue to support the services included in the proposed budget, including additional units, a planned COLA and contractual adjustment and an increase for the 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 0.2812 mills, which was 7.78% above the State defined rollback rate of 0.2609 mills. He stated that the proposed millage rate would generate revenue to support the services included in the proposed budget, a planned COLA and an increase for the FRS.
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item H into the record.
Mr. Clodfelter read into the record, amendments to the �Information for Second Budget Hearing� memorandum, as follows:
�The attached Implementing Order 4-123 for the Miami-Dade County Fire Prevention Fee Schedule was missing the following sections:
-Section 13: Onsite plans review services: Fee for review are simplified permitting projects, as defined in Section 553-7932 Florida Statutes, a fee of $267.98 per fire plans processer for the first hour shall be charged in addition to any applicable inspection in plans review fee as part of the fee schedule. Each additional hour or portion thereof $90.98 per fire plans processer;
Section 14: Cancellation fee: A cancellation fee of $194.44 will be charged for any inspection cancellation received on the day of the scheduled inspection.
Changes to Memo: At the Board�s September 18, 2025 Special Meeting, the Board considered the Seaport�s request to purchase a fuel facility. As a result the FY 2025-26 proposed budget Seaport Future Financing Fund C999 should be amended to include an additional $200 million for the total future financing of $551,575,000 million. Additionally, the budget should include Capital Program No. 20000005455 of $200 million for the purchase of this facility.�
In her opening remarks, Mayor Levine Cava expressed gratitude to County staff, the Board members, constitutional officers and County residents who participated in the budget process. She stressed the severe fiscal challenges in the County and how the proposed budget was responsible, lean and future ready as it closed a $400 million gap without reducing core public services or raising property tax rates. This was accomplished by:
-Increasing efficiencies and streamlining functions;
-Modifying non-essential services;
-Reducing departments� budgets from the General Fund from 10 to 20 percent;
-Merging departments; and
-Enacting a hiring freeze except for critical positions.
Mayor Levine Cava noted that during the September 4, 2025 First Budget Hearing the administration announced that the proposed increase in the gas tax was eliminated, and fee increases for solid waste and water and sewer services would be lower. The proposed budget also provided funding to the County�s fire rescue services, while it shifted the cost of the County�s air rescue services back to the General Fund.
Mayor Levine Cava stated that because the constitutional offices had returned over $70 million in unspent funds to the County the administration proposed to restore grant funding for community-based organizations (CBOs) and cultural grants, continue MetroConnect services and additional funding for neighborhood enhancements and park maintenance. She emphasized this was possible due to the administration�s diligence and collaboration.
Mayor Levine Cava concluded that the administration would continue to be fiscally efficient through the next FY and asked the Board to pass the balanced proposed budget.
Chairman Rodriguez thanked the meeting attendees and remarked that the proposed budget protected the County�s core services while making the government more efficient. He noted that he had reduced the budget of the Office of the Chair, secured more than $29 million for non-profit organizations (NPOs), prevented cuts to parks programs, and directed funding to Public Works for sidewalk repairs and infrastructure. He further stated that, since the prior hearing, the Board had fully funded legacy CBOs, funded fire and air rescue services through the countywide budget, and preserved MetroConnect services. Chairman Rodriguez stated that he could not support fee increases for solid waste, water and sewer, and transit services, and stressed that the County must continue to identify savings and make adjustments going into the mid-year.
Chairman Rodriguez opened the public hearing and the following persons appeared before the Board:
1. Clerk Fernandez-Barquin, 73 West Flagler Street, Suite 242, Miami, FL, commended the Board for streamlining operations and identifying how to meet the County residents� needs. He noted that the COCC had consistently returned funding to the County throughout the years and would continue this tradition by returning over $5.3 million to the County for the FY 2024-2025. Clerk Fernandez-Barquin concluded that the COCC would remain fiscally responsible, continue to enhance operational efficiencies, promote transparency and safeguard the public trust.
2. Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, Miami-Dade County Office of the Tax Collector, no address given, announced that an additional $7.5 million, which totaled $13.5 million, was returned to the County. He also noted that the office eliminated fraud, assisted law enforcement against human trafficking and worked to protect the community.
3. Mr. Juan Carlos Gil, 2350 SW 28th Avenue, Miami, FL
4. Ms. Renita Holmes, address exempt
5. Reverend Lawrence Bethel, 1198 Bailes Road, Miami, FL
6. Mr. Ernie Martinez, 9511 Fontainebleau Boulevard, Miami, FL
7. Mr. James Woody Beckham, 2756 Day Avenue, Miami, FL
8. Former State Representative Roy Hardemon, 1292 NW 79th Street, Miami, FL
9. Ms. Alexa Kuve, 711 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL
10. Mr. Carlos Arteaga, Artefactus Cultural Project, 14963 SW 75th Terrace, Miami, FL
11. Ms. Miriam Singer, President and Mr. Executive Officer (CEO), Jewish Community Services of South Florida, 12000 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
12. Ms. Nancy DeNike, 41 NW 16th Avenue, Miami, FL
13. Ms. Erin Cover, Miami Waterkeeper, 201 NW 7th Street, Miami, F
14. Ms. Renee Pesci-Smith, 1637 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL
Mayor Cava confirmed with Chairman Rodriguez that Cultural Affairs would remain as a separate, independent department and that funding for arts and culture had been fully restored.
15. Ms. Heaven Jones, 1637 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL
16. Ms. Rezia Hayes, 1177 NW 8th Street Road, Miami, FL
17. Mr. Theophilus Williams, 1391 NW 95th Street, Miami, FL
18. Mr. Kenneth Kilpatrick, executive director, The Alternative Program (TAP), 3300 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL
19. Ms. Camila Gil, Armour Dance Theater, 3057 Mary Street, Miami, FL
20. Ms. Anna Klimala, CEO, Miami Music Project, 9660 West Bay Harbor Drive, Harbor Islands, FL
21. Ms. Maya Perez, Chapter President, Best Buddies International, Southwest Miami Senior High School, 1246 SW 146th Court, Miami, FL
22. Mr. Steven Lopez, Best Buddies International, Southwest Miami Senior High School, 3912 SW 88th Court, Miami, FL
23. Ms. Sheila Womble, Executive Director, Arts for Learning, 1635 SW 18th Avenue, Miami, FL
24. Ms. Marilyn Holifield, Chair, Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora, 701 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL
25. Mr. Enrique Rosell, Miami Music Project, 13749 SW 49th Circle Lane, Miami, FL
26. Ms. Sagario Oquet, Founding Director, Edge Zones, Inc., 7300 Wayne Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
27. Dr. Catherine Attias, Trauma Resolution Center (TRC), 2650 SW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL
28. Ms. Jacqueline Wasmer, TRC, 2650 SW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL
29. Mr. Justin Santos, TRC, 2650 SW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL
30. Mr. Luis Vindel, President, Soar Park Homeowners Association (HOA), 8202 Miami Court, Miami, FL
31. Ms. Helen Quinn, Miami Waterkeeper, 2121 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL
32. Ms. Sue Kawalerski, Bike305, 6830 Gratian Street, Coral Gables, FL
33. Mr. Carlos Cepeda Gomez, Miami Waterkeeper, 8950 SW 69th Court, Pinecrest, FL
34. Mr. Jose Garcia-Chirino, Bike305, 5163 SW 142nd Place, Miami, FL
35. Ms. Miyah Brooks, Miami Waterkeeper, 8250 SW 82nd Court, Miami, FL
36. Mr. Russel Bailey, Bike305, 2157 NW 57th Terrace, Miami, FL
37. Ms. Susan Holtzman, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 9055 SW 73rd Court, Miami, FL
38. Mr. Steven Littleton, 17334 SW 12th Street, Pembroke Pines, FL
39. Ms. Samantha Barquin, Mr. Programs Officer, Miami Waterkeeper, 15040 SW 49th Lane, Miami, FL
40. Ms. Falicia Douglas, Curley�s House of Style, 6025 NW 12th Court, Miami, FL
41. Ms. Laverne Spicer, Curley�s House of Style, 6025 NW 12th Court, Miami, FL
42. Ms. Emily Cardenas, Executive Director, Dranoff 2 Piano Fusion, 9889 Hammocks Boulevard, Miami, FL
43. Dr. Kendra Hawley, President, American Federation of Musicians-Local 655, 7601 East Treasure Drive, North Bay Village, FL
44. Ms. Rachel Silverstein, Executive Director, Miami Waterkeeper, address withheld
45. Ms. Hannah Baumgarten, 900 Bay Drive, Miami Beach, FL
46. Ms. Jessica Ganim, Policy Analyst, Miami Waterkeeper, 2121 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL
47. Mr. Noah Edwards, Miami Waterkeeper, 2121 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL
48. Ms. Adriana Gonzalez Fernandez, Miami Waterkeeper, 524 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
49. Ms. Andrea Mirow, 2867 SW 38th Avenue, Miami, FL
50. Ms. Alexsandra Herrera, Breakthrough Miami, 2419 SW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL
51. Ms. Da�Nasia Colin, Breakthrough Miami, 5725 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL
52. Mr. Roger Irwin, Breakthrough Miami, 721 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL
53. Mr. William Roundtree, Breakthrough Miami, 8150 NW 13th Court, Miami, FL
54. Ms. Kristia Leon, O, Miami, 8635 NE Second Avenue, Miami, FL
55. Ms. Tanya Desdunes, Executive Director, Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator, 164 NE 56th Street, Miami, FL
56. Mr. Adam Saper, Jewish Voice for Peace, 1040 10th Street, Miami Beach, FL
57. Ms. Myah Smith, catalyst fellow, Diaspora Vibe Cultural Arts Incubator, 842 NE 209th Street, Miami, FL
58. Ms. Micki Bloom, 1040 10th Street, Miami Beach, FL
59. Mr. Pioneer Winter, Pioneer Winter Collective, 11325 NE 9th Court, Miami, FL
60. Ms. Nattliah Earle, program manager, Urban Health Partnerships, 1800 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL
61. Dr. Weiselande Cesar, executive funding director, Tradisyon Lakou Lakouy, Inc., 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL
62. Ms. Daymee Sanchez, Urban Health Partnerships, 1800 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL
63. Ms. Nicole Shargel, Breakthrough Miami, 439 NE 64th Street, Miami, FL
64. Ms. Lori-Ann Cox, CEO, Breakthrough Miami, 3250 SW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL
65. Mr. Keith Smith, Democratic Socialists of America, 626 NW 11th Avenue, Miami, FL
66. Mr. Eliezer Gonzalez, community liaison, Urban Health Partnerships, 1800 SW 18th Avenue, Miami, FL
67. Mr. Jeffrey Pressly, Community Engagement Research Coordinator, Urban Health Partnerships, 913 Michigan Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
68. Ms. Catherine Dos Santos, Executive Director, Transit Alliance Miami, 2150 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL
69. Mr. Josh Stevenson, 215 185 Street North Miami Beach, FL
70. Mr. Nicolas Duran, Transit Alliance Miami, 2150 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL
71. Mr. Richard Carrera, Transit Alliance Miami and Miami Transit Museum, 6269 NW 179th Street, Hialeah, FL
72. Mr. Brandon Keith Buckles, The Agency: We Control Time.com, no address provided
73. Ms. Tara Habash, Transit Alliance Miami, 2150 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL
74. Ms. Laura Reynolds, special advisor and science director, Friends of Biscayne Bay and Hold the Line Coalition, 6820 SW 64th Court, Miami, FL
75. Ms. Theodora Long, Executive Director, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, 901 NW 14th Court, Miami, FL
76. Mr. Forrest Canaday, 432 NE 132nd Street, North Miami, FL
77. Ms. Leslie Armendariz, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, 395 Gulf Road, Key Biscayne, FL
78. Ms. Brenda Alba, Director, Community Engagement, Miami City Ballet, 2200 Liberty Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
79. Mr. Camila Mejia, Catalyst Miami, 8311 SW 124th Avenue, Miami, FL
80. Ms. Shekina Donaldson, CEO and founder, Kinad, Inc., 2100 NW 192nd Terrace, Miami Gardens, FL
81. Ms. Dale Andree, 6820 SW 65th Avenue, Miami, FL
82. Ms. Janice Boykin, Bike305, 22633 SW 113th Place, Miami, FL
83. Ms. Amy Morales, Engage Miami, 829 SW 9th Avenue, Miami, FL
84. Mr. Hill Blackett, 1000 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
85. Ms. Sharon Frazier, 6324 NE 1st Place, Miami, FL
Mayor Levine Cava clarified that OHA was transferred to the HCD.
86. Ms. Sonia O�Farrill, Executive Director, O�Farrill Learning Center, 6486 SW 13th Street, South Miami, FL
87. Ms. Monica Vigues-Pitan, CEO, Legal Services of Greater Miami, 4343 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL
88. Former City of South Miami Mayor Phillip Stoddard, 6820 SW 64th Court, South Miami, FL
89. Ms. Lesley Mendoza, Executive Director, CABA Pro Bono, 2400 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL
90. Ms. Amanda Di Perna, Debris Free Oceans, 11319 SW 248th Terrace, Homestead, FL
91. Ms. Aida Diaz-Silveira, CABA Pro Bono, 2400 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL
92. Ms. Madeline Kaufman, Zero Waste Miami, 2508 SW 19th Terrace, Miami, FL
93. Ms. Masha Jaquays, Community Smiles, 750 NW 20th Street, Miami, FL
94. Ms. Ana Alicea and her brother, Mr. Jos� Alicea, South Dade Adult Center, 1001 Caribbean Boulevard, Miami, FL
95. Mr. Jorge Reyes, 2804 SW 142nd Place, Miami, FL
96. Ms. Crystal Rodriguez, no address given
97. Mr. Camilo Payan, 7220 Waterway Drive, Miami, FL
98. Mr. Brian Douglas, Miami Workers Center, 249 NW 5th Street, Miami, FL
99. Ms. Valeria Ramirez, Miami DSA, 515 SW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL
100. Mr. Anthony T. Walters, 2465 NW 46th Street, Miami, FL
101. Ms. Maria Llorens, Miami Workers Center, 720 NW 55th Street, Miami, FL
102. Mr. Charles Fischer, 900 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
103. Mr. Eric Yanez, 900 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
104. Ms. Mary Michel, 10511 North Saxon Circle, Sweetwater, FL
105. Ms. Mishka Sahar Ahmad, 1681 NW 70th Avenue, Plantation, FL
106. Mr. Samuel Eitenne, 690 NE 159th Street, North Miami Beach, FL
107. Ms. Kyle East, 2133 Calais Drive, Miami Beach, FL
108. Ms. Luisa Suarez, 161 NE 42nd Street, Miami, FL
109. Ms. Naya Blaize, Assistance R Us, 10270 SW 164th Street, Miami, FL
110. Ms. Melissa Salda�a, 3505 NW 2nd Street, Miami, FL
111. Ms. Adela Valcarcel (phonetic), alumni, Breakthrough Miami, no address given
112. Mr. Mario D. Ambrose, vice president, AFSCME Local 199, 17940 NW 40th Court, Miami Gardens, FL
113. Ms. Sara Alexander, 1331 South Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL
114. Ms. Jeselle Del Castillo, 1935 Rueger Drive, Miami Beach, FL
115. Ms. Barbara Caridad Meulener, Engage Miami, 1485 NE 121st Street, Miami, FL
116. Mr. Nick Mayor, Engage Miami, 930 SW 124th Court, Miami, FL
117. Mr. Omar Packard, 2617 Segovia Street, Miami, FL
118. Mr. Giancarlo Da Motta, 2721 SW 28th Court, Miami, FL
119. Ms. Sumaiyah Wade, Engage Miami, 10800 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
120. Ms. Tenny-Ann Dandy, Engage Miami, 10800 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
121. Ms. Rosaiba Vilamil, 556 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL
122. Mr. Edgardo Arencibia, 9944 SW 224th Street, Cutler Bay, FL
123. Ms. Christina Vegas, driver, MetroConnect, 11431 Lakeside Drive, Doral, FL
124. Mr. Carlos Cabanillas, driver, MetroConnect, 11431 Lakeshore Drive, Doral, FL
125. Ms. Melissa Viteri, Engage Miami, 10800 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL
126. Ms. Nancy Mitchell, People Acting for Community Together (PACT), 7531 SW 83rd Court, Miami, FL
127. Ms. Jenneva Clauss, PACT, 1233 Marseille Drive, Miami Beach, FL
128. Mr. Jared Simon, Break the Bonds Miami, 3 Avocado Avenue, Miami, FL
129. Ms. Nicole King, AFSCME Local 199, 18111 NW 5th Avenue, Miami, FL
130. Ms. Seadoria �CeCe� Brown, president, AFSCME Local 199, 4349 NW 36th Street, Miami Springs, FL
131. Ms. Ghilane Fandel, 1257 SW 15th Street, Miami, FL
132. Mr. Macelo Balladares, Everglades organizer, Sierra Club Florida, 16171 SW 73rd Street, Miami, FL
133. Ms. Fancesca DiJulio, Everglades Law Center, 100 NW 6th Street, Miami, FL
134. Ms. Phil Ehr, 8962 SW 142nd Avenue, West Kendall, FL
135. Mr. Marion Kenneth Brown, 12300 NW 17th Avenue, Miami, FL
Chairman Rodriguez closed the public hearing after no one else appeared to speak.
Chairman Rodriguez closed the public hearing after no one else appeared to speak.
Chairman Rodriguez instructed the Board members on discussing the foregoing proposed agenda items and making motions prior to voting. He had a motion to make based on revenue returned to the County by the Tax Collector, which he mentioned was about $1.5 million, and leftover revenue from the Transportation Infrastructure Improvement District Trust Fund (TIID).
ACA Alfonso read a motion by Chairman Rodriguez, as follows:
�To waive the requirements of Section 2.2364 of the Code, which requires certain tax increment countywide tax revenues within the boundaries of the Transportation Infrastructure Improvement District be allocated to the TIID, and amend the proposed budget, and all relevant portions of Items C, E, and H to eliminate all proposed fare increases for Metrorail, Metrobus and STS services and pay the cost of this change by allocating $9 million that would have otherwise been appropriated to the TIID (Fund TF204) to fund such transit services, and as the Tax Collector confirmed that he had identified additional countywide General Fund carryover available from the FY 2024-2025 to be returned to the County, and FY 2025-2026 appropriate an additional $1.5 million into the budget for the DTPW to fund Metrorail, Metrobus and STS transit services.�
Mr. Clodfelter confirmed with Chairman Rodriguez that the revenue would cover the costs for the transit services.
Senator Garcia inquired about the discrepancy of the amount returned by the Tax Collector, which was supposed to be $7.5 million but Chairman Rodriguez stated it was actually about $1.5 million.
Mr. Clodfelter indicated the $1.5 million was the correct amount.
Commissioner Bastien sought clarification on the total amount of revenue available from the Tax Collector and how much funding was needed to support STS services.
Chairman Rodriguez replied that Mr. Clodfelter had informed him that the amount from the Tax Collector was $1.5 million and the total amount of revenue to cover the transit services was $10.25 million.
Mr. Clodfelter stated that STS services cost was $2.50 million while the remaining funding would cover the other transit services.
Commissioner Regalado seconded the motion, and upon being put to a vote, passed 11-0 (Vice Chairman McGhee and Commissioner Bermudez were absent).
CA Bonzon-Keenan announced that at the appropriate time, she would read the motion as an amendment for Agenda Items C, E and H for a formal vote.
Chairman Rodriguez opened discussion for the agenda items.
Commissioner Regalado suggested that the Board members should determine if their motions had funding sources to draw revenue from and if they did not then the motions should be given to Mr. Clodfelter and his staff to determine the funding sources.
Chairman Rodriguez agreed with her and asked the Board members to carry out her suggestion.
Commissioner Higgins was pleased that assistance for low-income residents who faced evictions was maintained, as well as with the eliminated fare increases for transit and STS services.
Commissioner Higgins indicated she would make motions for Agenda Item C regarding the MetroConnect service and to clarify the responsibilities of DERM.
Commissioner Gilbert III acknowledged the concerns and requests by the residents who spoke during today�s meeting. He also thanked them for attending the meeting and speaking but noted they should have attended the Board meeting when the maximum millage rates were set because the rates determined how much funding was available for programs.
Commissioner Gilbert III noted that many social services were provided by CBOs, which were funded by non-recurring sources, and this was problematic. He cautioned that the same situation about finding funding for CBOs and the arts would reoccur next year unless there were fundamental changes, which meant either finding permanent funding sources or eliminating programs.
Commissioner Gilbert III also said that although he liked the Office of New Americans of Miami-Dade, their educational services for new immigrants could be provided by the County�s public libraries. He announced he would make a motion later about these services for new immigrants.
Commissioner Steinberg noted that the MetroConnect service was budgeted at $5.5 million with $4.5 million from the TIID. She asked what adjustments to the budget would be made for MetroConnect if the ridership numbers changed.
Mr. Morales answered that either surplus funds could be found in other parts of the DTPW budget or more revenue would have to be allocated from the TIID.
Commissioner Milian Orbis recognized that the proposed budget covered services for fire rescue and law enforcement and noted that public safety and essential services had to be prioritized in the budget. She also voiced her support the budget reductions for marketing functions in the departments. She voiced her concerns that the proposed budget relied on one-time funding sources, reserves and reallocated funds.
Commissioner Milian Orbis opined that long-term structural reform was needed for the budget, and that duplication of services and functions and increased efficiencies were needed.
Commissioner Milian Orbis questioned why there was an increase in positions at the director's office in HCD and for administration of the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.
Mr. Kogon explained that six of those positions were transferred in from other divisions within Housing and Community Development, and six additional positions were created within the department. He added that the department was undergoing a restructuring analyzing all of its positions, and that the director's office now had 17 positions, down from 35, as the division was being right-sized. Mr. Kogon continued that Section 8 administration was also undergoing restructuring, with an RFP issued for a new vendor to administer the program, expected to increase savings by bringing a portion of the program's administration in-house while reducing contractor expenses.
In response to Commissioner Milian Orbis� question as to why the MDCR budget had nearly doubled and positions increased, Ms. Salom clarified that there was not an increase in positions; rather, staff was. transferred to the director's office, which was why the MDCR budget appeared to increase, moving from $17 million to $32 million within the director's office.
In response to Commissioner Milian Orbis� questions as to what the total budget for the Office of Resiliency was after marketing was removed, Mr. Clodfelter reported that it would be $5.015 million.
Mayor Levine Cava pointed out that the office was now part of DERM, which consisted of 10 positions.
Commissioner Milian Orbis inquired what functions were shifted from DERM and what staff remained at the Office of Resiliency.
Mr. Coley clarified that Commissioner Milian Orbis actually sought information about permitting in DERM and RER, not in the Office of Resiliency. He explained that currently the permitting positions were at RER. In the proposed budget, DERM, which was currently part of RER, would become an independent department and its core functions would be enumerated. The functions included policy making and environmental monitoring and compliance. He elaborated that environmental permitting would be under an umbrella one-stop-shop for all permitting as directed by the Board.
Responding to Commissioner Milian Orbis� question if there was any budgeting for the Thrive305 program, Mayor Levine Cava said that the program would not receive funding because it was no longer operational.
Commissioner Milian Orbis spoke about a trust fund established by the Board on the October 5, 2021 for the improvement of Ludlam Trail. She noted that funding for the project was not in the proposed budget and requested funding for it, otherwise the project was at risk.
Commissioner Gonzalez expressed his disappointment with the lack of transparency and information from the administration during the budget process, as well as the decisions made during the September 4, 2025 First Budget Hearing. He added that questions he raised to the administration during the budget process and at the First Budget Hearing were not answered and he would not support the proposed budget because the administration did not justify expenditures.
Commissioner Gonzalez pointed out that the Mayor was able to obtain the revenue to cover a projected $400 million deficit in the proposed budget, but previously proposed cuts to public safety and CBOs, as well as increases to the gas tax and public services such as transit and water.
Commissioner Gonzalez announced he submitted a proposal to the Mayor on September 16, 2025 to be voted on by the Board that would eliminate unnecessary funding in the proposed budget, such as $21 million for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 26 (World Cup) and transfer this revenue to the General Fund for reallocation. He proposed that the World Cup event be paid for with tourism-dedicated funds from the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) and Convention Development Tax (CDT).
Commissioner Gonzalez also proposed lowering the millage rate to 4.4919 and taxes as he voiced his opposition for funding marketing and other unnecessary efforts, as well as non-essential and duplicative positions at various County departments.
Mayor Levine Cava objected to comments made by Commissioner Gonzalez regarding her leadership. She pointed out that she met with the other County Commissioners on several occasions to collaborate on the budget, but he often cancelled or declined invitations to her meetings and was thus unaware of the budget process.
Mayor Levine Cava also rebutted many of the points Commissioner Gonzalez stated, such as noting that the funding for the World Cup was approved by the Board, including Commissioner Gonzalez; she never proposed tax increases in the budget and pointed out that prior to the budget hearing he voiced his support for marketing efforts, including for his office. She stressed the importance of marketing to convey important public service messages for residents, which justified the funding for marketing in the budget. Even so, Mayor Levine Cava noted that funding for marketing was reduced in the budget and marketing would be consolidated.
Mayor Levine Cava stated that she had demonstrated responsibility as mayor and had to be treated respectfully. She told Commissioner Gonzalez he could not give orders to her staff or directly communicate with them because it was against the County Charter and he continuously did this. Mayor Levine Cava concluded that as mayor she sought guidance from the Board and would accommodate proposed changes in the budget after discussion.
Commissioner Gonzalez said that he was informed in previous meetings by the administration that the World Cup event would be funded by tourism revenue not by taxpayers, which he proposed. He opined that the budget needed line items to understand how revenue was allocated.
Chairman Rodriguez and Commissioners Gilbert III, Cohen Higgins, and Senator Garcia emphasized the importance of being civil and respectful during discussions at meetings.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins pointed out the need for the County government to operate differently than before due to budgetary challenges and the new constitutional offices. She thanked the administration for eliminating the proposed increase in the gasoline tax and fees for County parks, and for restoring funding to fire rescue services, cultural arts, CBOs and MetroConnect, as well as her fellow Board members for their efforts. After announcing her support for the proposed budget, Commissioner Cohen Higgins asked the administration to provide the Board with access to real-time information about the budget via a dashboard, otherwise it would be difficult for her to support next year�s budget under similar situations.
Senator Garcia expressed his displeasure with the uncertainty created in the community after the administration�s announcement of the budget gap and how the situation was handled. He stated the initial proposals to cut funding for cultural arts, parks, CBOs and community services gave a negative impression about the County, and the administration instead should have managed the shortfall by eliminating unfunded positions.
Senator Garcia recommended detailed line by line budgets that explained revenues and expenditures in every department to provide information to the Board members. He also commented on the increasing County budget throughout the years and stressed that spending had to be controlled.
Senator Garcia opined that it was essential to determine priorities in the budget. He also explained why he seconded Commissioner Gilbert�s III motion to have a dedicated funding source for CBOs.
Senator Garcia noted that funding was not secured for the upcoming Mental Health Facility building and suggested that private-public ventures would be a solution.
Senator Garcia concluded that ultimately, the government must be reduced, be more efficient and responsive to the needs of people, especially working-class residents. He also expressed gratitude to Mayor Levine Cava for restoring funding to several programs and to the Board members for their efforts to address the budget, but the County government�s expenditure issue had to be better addressed.
After Commissioner Bastien stated she did not support the initial proposed budget, she acknowledged the public speakers who expressed their concerns with the budget. She also thanked the Mayor and her staff for restoring many services and programs. Commissioner Bastien agreed with her colleagues that the budget process should have been more proactive and less reactive.
Commissioner Bastien cautioned that if the budget process did not change in 2026, the turmoil would continue. To remedy this, she suggested that capital projects, operations, non-essential spending and department budgets should be evaluated in order to save revenue and reallocate funds. Commissioner Bastien also voiced her concerns with the increase in water rates which would affect lower-income residents and concluded that the budget should reflect the residents� needs.
Vice Chairman McGhee welcomed tonight�s discussion because it exchanged ideas to help improve the budget to benefit residents.
Vice Chairman McGhee stated that he did not support the original proposed budget because it did not properly fund public safety and reduced budgeting for transit services and CBOs.
Vice Chairman McGhee announced his support for the new proposed budget; however, he would make motions later in the meeting for NPOs that needed funding. He wanted further discussion on increasing fees for water and waste services, the Office of Neighborhood Safety, and the Office of New Americans.
Vice Chairman McGhee thanked the Mayor for considering his request to restore funding for the County�s eviction process, fully restoring CBOs and ensuring funding for public safety; he also expressed his support to the Mayor but asked her to be open to the discussion from the Board members.
Following Commissioner Regalado's recount of her history of working on government budgets as an elected official, she remarked that the budget process for this year was different than others because of the creation of the constitutional offices. This one-time event limited the amount of time that the administration had to prepare the budget. She speculated that next year�s budget process would differ because there would be available data on the expenditures of the constitutional offices, which would allow the administration to plan the budget accordingly.
Commissioner Regalado expressed her satisfaction with the collaborative budget process and the Mayor�s efforts to address the budget situation.
Commissioner Regalado thanked Chairman Rodriguez for eliminating the transit and STS fare increases but cautioned that decisions had to be made about the County�s transit services. She also advised that staff reductions in WASD and the department�s unfunded positions would affect capital programs and overtime hours. Commissioner Regalado also noted there was a similar staff reduction situation at the Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management, and other departments such as MDCR which would increase overtime hours.
Commissioner Regalado announced she was preparing legislation regarding the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, which would be presented at a later meeting, as well as an item/motion related to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and funding for a County-funded assisted living facility (ALF).
Commissioner Regalado noted that all revenue from sporting events in 2025 would be used to pay the debt for the Marlins Stadium which had to be paid annually; she added that revenue from tourists attending the World Cup would aid in paying the debt.
Chairman Rodriguez and CA Bonzon-Keenan discussed how to proceed with Commissioner Gonzalez�s motions. She pointed out one of the motions to Agenda Item A would reduce the millage rate and required recalculation and recommended a straw vote for the proposals for revenue reduction to determine the final rate. He announced that non-binding, unofficial straw votes would be done for Commissioner Gonzalez�s motions.
Commissioner Regalado pointed out the veracity of some of the motions had to be evaluated because several proposed reductions were already eliminated.
Mayor Levine Cava addressed the remarks made by the Board members:
- Monthly check-ins with the County Budget: County Commissioners would be able to access data about the budget and expenditures via online tools. Currently quarterly reports were available, but more timely data would become accessible.
- Vacancies in positions: This was extensively detailed in the Mayor�s memo; there were only 130 funded vacancies over six (6) months. Out of the 130 vacant positions funded by the General Fund, only 6 of the vacancies did not relate to public safety or transportation. These vacancies related to public safety and transportation were due to attrition and had to be filled because they were vital positions.
- Capital water projects: A majority of the capital projects were mandates and if they were not done, the County would be fined by the federal government, and the state government would withhold funds.
- Staff reductions: The administration was striving to place all furloughed employees into positions at other departments. Mayor Levine Cava added that furlough notices would not be sent to affected employees until September 29, 2025. The employees who would be placed in related departments included those at the Office of Neighborhood Safety and the Office of New Americans.
- Increase in solid waste services: Mayor Levine Cava stressed that the fee increases were minimal. If the rate adjustment was not made, then efforts to control illegal dumping would be affected.
- Overtime: If vacancies were not filled then the County would have to pay overtime to its employees for basic services.
In response to Commissioner Cohen Higgins� request for assurance that the furloughed employees would be placed in other County positions, Dr. Edwards ensured that they would be placed. She pointed out, however, that some employees may choose to retire or work elsewhere and it may be harder to place some employees based on the nature of their positions.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins asked Dr. Edwards to keep the Board updated on employment opportunities in the County.
Regarding Commissioner Milian Orbis� question if the furloughed employees would be placed in the constitutional offices, Dr. Edwards informed her that this would occur but noted that some service-level employees may not qualify for the available jobs in the constitutional offices.
Commissioner Bastien stated that furloughed or at-risk employees had contacted her office to express their concerns, and she asked if there was a process for placing the employees in other County positions.
Dr. Edwards detailed the process for placing these employees in other County positions, which was called the pipeline process, and involved active engagement to assist them, such as directly placing them in qualified roles, and eliminating some rules associated with pipelining. The employees were also given direct contact information to the Mayor and her staff to better assist them and Dr. Edwards informed
Commissioner Bastien that Ms. Washington would provide assistance, as well.
Commissioner Bastien inquired how many employees received furlough notices.
Dr. Edwards replied that no official notices had been issued yet, and it would be done on September 29, 2025, but some had received unofficial notices in order to immediately assist them. She added that the administration would attempt to identify positions that furloughed employees would be qualified for, whether or not they were in unions.
After Commissioner Bastien voiced her concerns, Mayor Levine Cava detailed her staff�s efforts to assist employees, provided her own contact information, and referred Commissioner Bastien to Ms. Washington.
Ms. Washington provided PIOD�s and her own contact information for County employees and noted that the pipeline process was amended to expedite assistance with employment.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins shared Commissioner Bastien�s concerns and asked Dr. Edwards and Ms. Washington for a report on the progress of the pipeline process. Dr. Edwards replied that the information would be provided on a timely basis.
Chairman Rodriguez confirmed with CA Bonzon-Keenan that the millage rate would only be affected by the some of the motions from Commissioner Gonzalez.
Commissioner Milian Orbis asked if the administration could delay the furloughs until the administration could find out about the close out of the constitutional offices� budgets, which would occur later in 2025.
Dr. Edwards answered that the administration had already done this and would coincide the furloughs with the close-outs in order to place the furloughed employees.
ACA Valdes announced that Commissioner Gonzalez�s memorandum dated September 18, 2025, and entitled �Proposed Changes to the Proposed FY 25-26 Budget�, was distributed to the Board members and the Clerk. He continued that the memorandum�s paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 13 related to revenue reduction, which would also reduce the County�s millage rate.
ACA Valdes read the first motion by Commissioner Gonzalez that would affect the millage rate to amend the proposed budget, and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H, to reduce the budget for the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department (PROS) by $3,585,000 via eliminating funding allocated for PROS� Special Community Projects, which would then reduce the County�s millage rate.
Commissioner Gilbert III stated that he could not support the motion because it removed too much funding from PROS, which already had its budget significantly reduced.
Commissioner Regalado was also unsupportive of the motion because it would eliminate funding for special events at the County�s parks, which in turn would affect revenue generated by the parks.
Commissioner Gonzalez noted that the administration never clarified the funding for the Special Community Projects.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
ACA Valdes read the second motion by Commissioner Gonzalez to amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H to reduce the budget for the Communications, Information and Technology Department (CITD) by $1,441,000 by eliminating funding for the vacant positions described in paragraph four of Commissioner Gonzalez�s memorandum. This would result in a surplus of $864,600 in the General Fund which could be used to reduce the millage rate by the relevant amount and an additional $576,400 surplus for non-General Fund revenue which shall be allocated to the reserves for those non-General Fund sources.
Responding to Commissioner Gonzalez�s question if any of the vacant positions had been removed or unfunded in the proposed budget for CITD, Mr. Majekodunni stated that the positions were still listed in the department�s budget. He clarified that the Mayor�s Second Changes memo reflected the $400,000 additional attrition, but because his office did not have any information about the attrition, they could not confirm if some of the positions were included in the attrition number.
Dr. Edwards explained the $400,000 referred to the elimination of funding for marketing positions, which was listed in the Second Changes memo. She also provided details about the positions and added that four positions were pipelined; she mentioned that the positions were vital to the County and included services such as Miami-Dade 311 and informational media.
Dr. Edwards did not have information about how long the positions were vacant but noted they had a high turnover rate.
Mayor Levine Cava confirmed this point and added that the positions were not open for more than six months.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
ACA Valdes read the third motion by Commissioner Gonzalez to amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H, to reduce the budget of the Business and Creative Services Division of the CITD by $3,813,000. He added that the motion directed the administration to provide the most effective reductions and reallocations in line items to accomplish the objective.
Mr. Majekodunni noted that the motion reflected the transfers of the Digital Communication Enterprise Content Division, Creative Branding Services Division, Digital Media Division, and the Engagement and Client Services Division into the Business and Creative Services Division. He continued that the current year�s budget for the aforementioned divisions was $8.8 million and the budget for the Business and Creative Services Division was $12.6 million.
I
n response to Commissioner Regalado�s question about which services would be eliminated at CITD, Ms. Kim answered that divisions included digital media services which operated Miami-Dade TV. Other affected services included interpreters and translators, creative services which involved graphic design, digital communications which dealt with the County�s website, client engagement services which worked on campaigns and market research, and the enterprise experience management team. She added that the latter service handled compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), digital services that created and updated the County, and constitutional officers� websites.
Commissioner Regalado pointed out that the County would be liable if the websites were not ADA compliant and the constitutional offices would be negatively affected if the services were eliminated.
Ms. Kim reported that 62 positions would be affected and the services were centralized, which provided better rates when compared to contracting out to third party agencies. She also noted that digital notices as required by law were also done by the services.
Commissioner Gonzalez stated that the budget for the services in 2024 was $8 million and $12 million in 2025.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
ACA Valdes read the first portion of the fourth motion by Commissioner Gonzalez to amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H, to reduce the budget for DERM by eliminating all funding for the Office of Environmental Risk and Resilience. He added that confirmation was needed to determine if the amount impacted by the amendment would be $7.260 million as listed in Commissioner Gonzalez�s memo or $5.015 million as noted in the Change Memo.
Mr. Majekodunni reported that the Mayor�s Change Memo �Response to First Budget Hearing and Subsequent Inquiries about the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget� $400,000 would be eliminated for DERM�s marketing. Additionally, the $7.260 million reduction in Commissioner Gonzalez�s motion was for the current FY, while the proposed budget was at $5.015 million; the number of positions was 27 for the current FY and 10 in the proposed budget, with no information if the positions were filled or vacant.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
ACA Valdes read the second portion of the fourth motion for paragraph 6 of Commissioner Gonzalez�s memo to amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H, to reduce the budget for DERM by $850,000 by eliminating all funding for the Resilient 305 strategy, Extreme Heat marketing and the Biscayne Bay marketing.
Responding to Commissioner Gonzalez�s question about whether or not the marketing plans were identified in the proposed budget, Mr. Majekodunni noted they were listed and gave budgetary breakdowns of each plan.
Mayor Levine Cava pointed out that the Extreme Heat marketing plan was eliminated as noted in the Second Changes memo.
Mr. Majekodunni said that the removal of Extreme Heat was not specified in the Mayor�s memo although the elimination for marketing was listed.
Dr. Edwards confirmed it was reflected in the memo and clarified that although the plan was not specified in the memo, its funding was removed in the proposed budget.
Commissioner Steinberg referred to an independent study that determined that Biscayne Bay had a significant economic contribution of $64 billion to the County. This included $24 billion in income, 448,000 jobs and $4 billion in tax revenue. She advised for caution with removing some of the marketing for Biscayne Bay because the marketing included important public service announcements.
Commissioner Regalado recalled working with Mayor Levine Cava regarding the Change Memo about the Extreme Heat marketing. She noted that the Biscayne Bay marketing addressed issues like illegal dumping and derelict vessels. She expressed her satisfaction with the reduced marketing in the budget and pointed out the removal of marketing initiatives was mandated by the Board already.
In response to Commissioner Gilbert�s III question as to why there was a straw vote if the marketing was already eliminated in the proposed budget,
Commissioner Gonzalez said he wanted specific information because the information the administration provided was unclear and in doubt.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
ACA Valdes read the next motion which was in paragraph seven of Commissioner Gonzalez�s memo to amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H, to reduce the budget for countywide non-departmental expenditures by $1,117,000 by eliminating all funding for all line items described in paragraph seven. This would be dependent on whether or not any of the reductions were impacted by the reductions referenced in the Second Changes Memo.
Answering Commissioner Gonzalez�s question if the line items in his memo were identified in the Second Changes Memo, Mr. Majekodunni noted there were discrepancies between the two memos, specifically on page 5 of the Second Changes Memo.
Mr. Clodfelter clarified that the funding listed on page 5 of the Second Changes Memo had been removed and $1.8 million had in fact been eliminated.
Mr. Majekodunni added the Second Changes Memo did not provide details about the five items that Commissioner Gonzalez moved to eliminate.
Commissioner Regalado stated there was not a need to vote on eliminating the items because they were already removed. She added that the information provided in the Second Changes Memo had been vetted by the CAO and was a legally binding document.
Vice Chairman McGhee pointed out that Commissioner Gonzalez was attempting to reconcile the discrepancies in the budget and the Second Changes Memo between the Commission Auditor and the administration.
Mr. Majekodunni emphasized there was not a difference between his office and the administration regarding the budget numbers. Instead, after comparing the proposed budget and the Second Changes Memo, he identified differences in the numbers listed in both documents, indicating that in the Second Changes Memo the budget had been reduced by $1.8 million which differed from the proposed budget.
Responding to Vice Chairman McGhee�s question if the line items to be eliminated in the motion were the same ones eliminated in the Second Changes Memo,
Mr. Majekodunni identified the six items proposed for elimination in the motion:
1. General publicity
2. Inter-American Conference of Mayors
3. Miscellaneous operations
4. Other studies
5. Promotional items
6. Radio-based public information
Mr. Majekodunni identified only two items in the Second Changes Memo, which were marketing and management consulting, and other studies. He could not identify a direct relationship between what was on the Second Changes memo and the motion.
Dr. Edwards clarified that the budget would be reduced by $1.874 million for countywide non-departmental expenditures; what was reflected in the Second Changes Memo was $467,000, which was attributed to marketing and promotional materials, while the items in the motion were consolidated into three categories; $1.4 million was attributed to management consulting and other studies. She added there were more reductions for countywide non-departmental expenditures than asked for by Commissioner Gonzalez.
Commissioner Gilbert III expressed his support for the administration and questioned the need for the motion.
Senator Garcia opined that if the proposed budget had detailed line items, then there would not be any issues.
Commissioner Regalado pointed out that the administration was bound by the rules of the State of Florida and advised Commissioner Gonzalez to meet with Mr. Clodfelter going forward if he had any questions about the budget.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
ACA Valdes read the next motion which was on paragraph eight of Commissioner Gonzalez�s memo to amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H, to reduce the budget for the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department (Animal Services) by $1.005 million by eliminating the community engagement and public relations division. This would result in a surplus of $305,000 in Countywide General Fund revenues and a $700,000 surplus in other revenues. If approved, Commissioner Gonzalez asked the administration to determine the most effective way to reallocate the $700,000 in other revenues to fund existing portions of the Animal Services� department currently funded by the Countywide General Fund to allow savings of a surplus of $1.005 million in Countywide General Fund revenues.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
ACA Valdes read the next motion which was on paragraph ten of Commissioner Gonzalez�s memo to amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H, to amend the budget for the Miami-Dade Housing and Community Development (HCD) department by taking $469,870 in federal public housing funds that are currently used to fund the Office of Housing Advocacy, the HCD Business Initiatives Manager and Communications Manager, and having such federal funds reallocated toward funding four (4) maintenance positions in the Public Housing Division, as well as the vacant position of HCD Maintenance Specialist; all of which were currently funded by the Countywide General Fund. This would result in a surplus of Countywide General Fund revenue, which could be used to lower the Countywide General Fund millage.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
ACA Valdes read the next motion which was on paragraph 13 of Commissioner Gonzalez�s memo to amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H, to reduce from the General Fund $21 million allocated to the FIFA World Cup Host Committee and direct the administration to determine the most efficient way to utilize TDT and CDT funds to pay for the difference.
Mr. Majekodunni reported that funds from TDT and CDT existed and were partially allocated for the FY 2026 budget, however information was pending for what was available in the balance of the trust fund.
Commissioner Gilbert III pointed out that due to decisions made by prior Boards and administrations the County had to honor its obligation to the World Cup and going forward if the County government intended to make any kind of bid it needed to establish a trust fund. He also did not object to funding the World Cup through tourist tax revenue.
Senator Garcia disagreed and said the County was not contractually obligated to fund World Cup festivities which would only benefit tourists attending the World Cup. He recalled that World Cup officials originally agreed to lower their funding requests but later raised them at taxpayers� expense.
Chairman Rodriguez clarified that while the County contractually did not have financial obligations to the World Cup, the County had to host and fund World Cup-related events.
Commissioner Gonzalez insisted that the World Cup should be funded by tourist-related tax revenue.
Mr. Clodfelter explained that if the Board reallocated funds from a proposed, programmed use of tourism-related tax then the administration would have to defund items listed in the schedule for that tax.
Responding to Commissioner Regalado�s question as to how the administration adjusted differences in balances when projections changed based on unforeseen events, Mr. Clodfelter acknowledged there was a timing issue regarding tourism-related taxes and a shortfall reserve was created for that purpose.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins sought confirmation that the $21 million designated for the World Cup was in the FY 2024-25 budget and not in the FY 2025-26 budget. She also asked if the revenue was still with the County government.
Mr. Clodfelter confirmed this fact and added that the revenue was still with the County because the agreement with the World Cup was not completed but would be soon.
Commissioner Higgins acknowledged the importance of the World Cup but reminded the Board members about the County�s financial dilemma. She also supported funding the World Cup events through other means such as the CDT, otherwise County cultural venues faced reduced budgets to help fund World Cup events.
Commissioner Regalado mentioned that while projections for next year�s budget would be lower, the County had to prepare for the fact the debt for the Marlins Stadium would increase substantially in 2029. She suggested the revenue from the World Cup through the TDT could help pay the Marlins debt. She also added that using revenue from tourism-related tax had been explored in the past, but the tax had restrictions.
After Commissioner Gonzalez asked if revenue would be carried over from the last FY to the current one to help fund the World Cup, Mr. Majekodunni replied that in the agenda item there were balances that carried over from the previous FY to the current FY. He also identified the current FY�s expenditures against revenue and there was a balance, but the only pending information was for additional forecasts not recorded for the next two or three weeks of the FY in order to determine the final balance. Mr. Majekodunni reported there was a balance of $17 million in the CDT and about $4.9 million in the TDT.
Mr. Clodfelter informed Commissioner Gonzalez there was a trial balance, and his department estimated the CDT carryover was actually $24.6 million. He continued that there may be less carryover than projected for next year�s budget, but this year�s budget had to be closed out with forthcoming data in the following weeks.
Discussion ensued among Commissioner Gonzalez, Dr. Edwards, Mr. Majekodunni and Mr. Clodfelter regarding trial balances and budget estimates and projections.
Chairman Rodriguez supported using the TDT as a funding source but was willing to discuss this in the future after the proposed budget was approved.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the proposed motion, which did not pass.
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REPORT:
CA Bonzon-Keenan read the title of Agenda Item C into the record, which would be approved as amended to incorporate the Second Changes Memo, further amended by the supplement to the Second Changes Memo, the changes read into the record by Mr. Clodfelter earlier in the meeting, and the motion by Chairman Rodriguez to eliminate the proposed fare increases for Metrorail, Metrobus and STS services by allocating $9 million that otherwise would have been appropriated to the TID and an additional $1.5 million identified by the Tax Collector as additional Countywide General Fund carryover from FY 2024-25.
CA Bonzon-Keenan advised that this moment was the appropriate time to make additional motions or to bifurcate items.
Vice Chairman McGhee bifurcated the CBO portion in the proposed ordinance due to a potential conflict of interest regarding the discussion and allocation of funding for CBOs and initiatives as included in Attachment A of the Mayor�s Memorandum dated September 12, 2025 entitled �Supplemental Information for Second Budget Hearing FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget�. He was contracted with Children of Inmates, Inc., and an NPO that was an intended beneficiary of grant funding. In an abundance of caution, Vice Chairman McGhee would abstain from voting on this matter and remove himself from the meeting while the matter was considered. His statement also applied to Item H.
Vice Chairman McGhee exited the chambers for the vote.
CA Bonzon-Keenan informed Chairman Rodriguez there would be additional motions regarding CBOs in Vice Chairman McGhee�s absence; the following vote would be for the initial CBO portion included in the Mayor�s Second Changes Memorandum, as supplemented.
Commissioner Higgins moved to approve the CBO portion of the proposed ordinance. Commissioner Bastien seconded the motion, and upon being put to a vote, passed 9-2 (Commissioners Gonzalez and Milian Orbis voted no; Vice Chairman McGhee and Commissioner Bermudez were absent).
ACA Kobrinski read a motion proposed by Senator Garcia, as follows:
�To amend Attachment A of the Mayor�s Memorandum dated September 12, 2025 entitled �Supplemental Information for Second Budget Hearing FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget� and all relevant portions of Items C, E, and H to reduce by $383,000 departmental �travel and registration� expenses among the following administration departments:
- Office of the Mayor: $6,000
- Corrections (MDCR): $109,000
- Medical Examiner: $70,000
- Emergency Management: $8,000
- DTPW: $122,000
- MDEAT: $3,000
- Community Services: $41,000
- Cultural Affairs: $24,000
Senator Garcia also moved to reallocate $187,200 from additional attrition of open administrative position in PIOD recruitment (manager, HR: position #3262), for a total amount of $570,200, and reallocate such funding as follows:
- An additional $126,200 to Voices for Children Foundation, Inc.
- $100,000 to Farm Share, Inc.
- $200,000 to Cuban American Bar Association Pro Bono Project, Inc. and
- $144,000 to the Miami-Dade Mental Health Advisory Board.�
Mayor Levine Cava pointed out that the County�s travel budget had already been reduced substantially in 2025, and she had denied many travel requests or reduced the number of staff permitted to travel. She indicated that some travel was essential such as Emergency Management�s obligation to attend national meetings and re-certifications for MDCR officers that took place outside of the County. Also, the position that was identified was an HR position being reclassified and the organizations identified in the motion were already funded by the County. Mayor Levine Cava indicated she was not in support of the motion.
Senator Garcia explained the proposed reductions were based on increased travel expenses at the departments that were no longer needed because the travel expenses were being decreased. He reasoned the revenue could then be used to fully fund the organizations listed in his motion. He also commented that the position he proposed to be eliminated was not needed and any potential employees were supposed to be pipelined elsewhere.
Commissioner Regalado remarked that the original motion included proprietary departments and Senator Garcia replied that his motion had since been amended. She mentioned her intention to reduce the budget of the Medical Examiner by $100,000 to reallocate the revenue to the administration for the Mid-Year Budget, and letting the Medical Examiner decide where to reduce the budget.
Commissioner Regalado asked the administration for information on the increased travel budget.
Dr. Edwards clarified that the administration was reconciling its travel numbers and used as an example MDCR, which reduced their travel budget. She stressed that departments needed travel budgets for key functions, which included local travel, training and recertification that required longer-distance travel.
Dr. Edwards suggested reallocating $383,000 from the County�s natural disaster reserve to fund Senator Garcia�s requested allocations.
In response to Commissioner Cohen Higgins� question if the organizations in Senator Garcia�s motion were fully funded, Mayor Levine Cava referred to the Second Changes Memo. In the memo, legacy NPOs would have their funding fully restored, while other NPOs had their funding intact at 70%.
Senator Garcia added that his motion intended to ensure the organizations in his motion would be fully funded into the next budget cycle.
Discussion ensued between Commissioner Cohen Higgins and Senator Garcia about the budget associated with the Mental Health Advisory Board.
Commissioner Gilbert III suggested that amendments should itemize additions and deductions and be provided to the administration in advance. He also voiced his concerns about using revenue from the natural disaster reserve and sought information on how much revenue the reserve had.
Dr. Edwards offered to present several department directors to explain their need for travel budgets, but Chairman Rodriguez only asked for Ms. Green from MDCR to provide information about her department�s travel budget in 2024 and 2025.
Ms. Green provided details on MDCR�s travel expenses and stated the budget in 2025 was reduced by $110,000 from $229,000 for essential training only. The final budget was $118,000.
Senator Garcia reported that the MDCR travel budget in 2024 was $120,000.
Mr. Clodfelter clarified that the $120,000 figure came from the 2024-2025 projections not the actual budget, which was $184,000 with the 2025-2026 budget being $229,000.
Chairman Rodriguez indicated the budget information from all parties was contradictory and supported Commissioner Gilbert�s III suggestion for itemized amendments to be presented beforehand.
Ms. Green explained the original budget for training was $229,000, which was adjusted for essential training and that reduced the budget by $110,000. She indicated the budget was now $118,300.
Chairman Rodriguez expressed his concerns about reallocating revenue from the disaster reserve and asked the administration to find another source during today�s meeting.
Commissioner Higgins recommended an amendment that allowed the departments to decide on how to fund the organizations in the motion. She also expressed her concerns with the proposed funding for the Mental Health Advisory Board because it would be disproportionately funded compared to other advisory boards.
Senator Garcia accepted Commissioner Higgins� amendment to his motion.
Commissioner Steinberg urged caution about reallocating essential funding.
In response to Commissioner Regalado�s question about how the reductions affected the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs (Cultural Affairs), Dr. Edwards informed her the department�s budget was very limited and various departments had reduced budgets. She supported the proposed amendment from Commissioner Higgins and added the administration would identify $383,000 in funding from the departments in Senator Garcia�s motion.
Commissioner Regalado maintained that it would be difficult to obtain additional funding from Cultural Affairs because of its budget and suggested another department be chosen.
Senator Garcia stated the administration could choose different departments to get the requested funding.
Chairman Rodriguez instructed Mr. Clodfelter to identify alternate sources for the requested funding and report his findings to the Board later in the meeting.
Commissioner Gilbert III suggested that revenue from the reserve be reallocated and the Mayor would be directed to report to the Board with specific delineations on how the revenue would be replenished back into the reserve.
Chairman Rodriguez stated he could not support the suggestion because the administration may not be able to replenish the revenue. He then changed the discussion to a motion by Commissioner Gilbert III.
ACA Kobrinski read a motion proposed by Commissioner Gilbert III, as follows:
�To amend Attachment A of the Mayor�s memo dated September 12, 2025 entitled �Supplemental Information for Second Budget Hearing FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget� and all relevant portions of Items C, E, and H to direct the administration to collaborate and contract with the organizations providing services the immigrant/new entrant population, such as Catholic Legal Services, and its various sub-grant recipients: Sant La, WeCount!, and the Cuban American Bar Association, to provide services and programs in Miami-Dade County�s libraries.�
Commissioner Gilbert III commented that the motion would not necessarily have a fiscal effect on the proposed budget.
Mayor Levine Cava indicated her support for the motion.
Commissioner Higgins seconded the proposed amendment by Commissioner Gilbert III, and upon being put to a vote, the motion passed 8-2 (Chairman Rodriguez and Commissioner Gonzalez voted no; Vice Chairman McGhee and Commissioners Bastien and Bermudez were absent).
Discussion resumed regarding Senator Garcia�s motion.
Referring to Senator Garcia�s motion, Mayor Levine Cava expressed her concerns with it and reiterated that the proposed reductions to the departments� travel budgets would have a negative impact because the travel was essential and the departments� travel budgets had already been reduced substantially. She listed the types of essential travel for the departments that would be eliminated such as recertifications, presentations, promotions, and training held outside of the County. Mayor Levine Cava also voiced her support for the NPOs but emphasized that the departments� budgets had been severely reduced at the direction of the Board.
Chairman Rodriguez remarked there were questions with the budget numbers in the Second Changes Memo and the budget which had to be addressed.
Dr. Edwards clarified that pages 28, 29 and 33 of the Second Changes Memo reflected further reductions in General Fund departments. She continued that public safety departments were not affected by the reductions because such reductions would be too severe. She also explained why there were differences among various parties with the budget numbers and told Chairman Rodriguez that the budgeted travel for MDCR in 2026 was $118,000.
Mayor Levine Cava indicated the administration would reallocate funds from various departments.
Commissioner Regalado recommended that 50% of the requested allocations be provided to the NPOs with the proposed budget and they would receive the other 50% later in the Mid-Year Budget using alternate revenue sources. She also suggested that civic engagements groups collaborate to help fund the NPOs.
Senator Garcia suggested that unfunded administrative positions could be used to derive the revenue.
Commissioner Gilbert III commented on reallocating the funds from any General Fund department, not specifically the ones listed in the motion.
Senator Garcia voiced his preference to fully fund the organizations with the proposed budget.
After Chairman Rodriguez requested that $72,000 should be allocated to the NPO Friendship Circle of Miami, Senator Garcia changed his motion to allocate the $72,000 from the original $144,000 allocation for the Mental Health Advisory Board.
CA Bonzon-Keenan clarified the motion by Senator Garcia was amended to reduce the line item of travel and registration expenses to come from the administration departments in the amounts previously read. She continued that the administration would determine where in each departmental budget the amount would be found and the original $144,000 allocated to the Mental Health Advisory Board would be divided in half so that the board received $72,000 and the Friendship Circle of Miami received $72,000.
Commissioner Regalado seconded Senator Garcia�s motion, and upon being put to a vote, the motion passed 9-0, as amended (Vice Chairman McGhee, and Commissioners Bastien, Gonzalez and Bermudez were absent).
ACA Rizo read a motion by Commissioner Hardemon, as follows:
�To direct the County Mayor or Mayor�s designee to negotiate and execute an amendment with the vendor associated with Contract No. BW-10310 to reduce the services provided in each of the two, one-year renewal terms commencing October 1, 2025 to allow for the continuation of services for the project management and hospital-based violence intervention program but discontinuing all other services remaining; and
�Allocate the $746,650 anticipated savings from the contractual amendment, to:
1. Miami-Dade North Arts & Humanities Foundation, Inc. (MoCAAD) in the amount of $250,000 in furtherance of its administrative efforts to establish a modern arts museum;
2. Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC) in the amount of $100,000 for its annual MLK Vigil at the Adrienne Arsht Center or other facility; and
3. Ark of the City, Inc. in the amount of $396,650 or such lesser amount remaining in the FY 25-26 allocation for Contract No. BW-10310 following its amendment, to support the Ark of the City�s renovation of existing commercial structures to enhance economic development in underserved communities.�
Commissioner Gilbert III seconded the motion, and upon being put to a vote, the motion passed 9-0 (Vice Chairman McGhee and Commissioners Bastien, Milian Orbis, and Bermudez were absent).
Vice Chairman McGhee returned to chambers after voting on the CBO portions concluded.
ACA Schwaderer-Raurell read a motion by Commissioner Higgins, as follows:
�To amend the provisions of Section 3 of Item C of the County Budget, which relates to section 1-4.3 of the Code of Miami-Dade County under departmental reorganizations. A copy of the motion with the detailed language has been provided to the Clerk and this amendment generally clarifies that the County�s Environmental Quality Control Board (EQCB) process continues to apply to Chapter 24 matters; provides that RER shall, as may be appropriate, rely on technical expertise from the new DERM and that interdepartmental coordination may be detailed in a future Administrative Order (AO); clarifies that except for the things which are excluded the powers and authorities from Chapter 24 would be transferred to the new DERM and clarifies that the substantive environmental standards in Chapter 24 will continue to apply regardless of any departmental reorganization.�
Commissioner Regalado seconded the motion.
Commissioner Steinberg sought clarification on the creation of DERM as a new department.
Mayor Levine Cava indicated the administration released a memo announcing the creation of the department and streamlining the permitting process.
At the request of Mayor Levine Cava, ACA Schwaderer-Raurell explained that DERM was merged into RER years ago, with its functions then being part of RER. She further explained that environmental permitting would remain with RER, as well as its director, while other functions related to environmental resource management would be administered by DERM.
Mayor Levine Cava stated the motion directed her to develop an administrative order (AO) to further define the relationship between RER and DERM to ensure DERM�s environmental expertise was available to RER while they performed permitting functions. She added that DERM had environmental policy experts, provided monitoring and enforcement services, and performed other legislative functions.
Mr. Coley explained the ordinance defined that DERM would set environmental policy for the County while RER would implement such policy; he also elaborated on the Mayor�s authority of issuing an AO regarding the coordination between the two departments.
Regarding Commissioner Cohen Higgins� question as to what issues were addressed by the ordinance, Mr. Coley answered by clarifying DERM�s role. He continued that environmental permitting was transferred to general permitting in the County while DERM was strengthened as an environmental organization. Mr. Coley noted that some environmental groups had concerns with DERM�s new role because they preferred to have environmental permitting remain with an environmental organization, however the same DERM professionals who did the permitting at RER would perform the same tasks with the general permitting process.
Chairman Rodriguez mentioned the concerns raised by environmental organizations with the motion because DERM would not be able to do environmental permitting and he questioned the reason for the motion.
Mr. Coley replied that the motion intended to fully address the concerns.
Mayor Levine Cava pointed out the changes with the permitting process were the most effective way to improve the permitting process and ensure strong environmental protection.
Chairman Rodriguez indicated the motion clarified DERM�s role and would not change the ordinance to create DERM as a separate department, however, he noted the motion included changes.
Mayor Levine Cava responded that the motion only clarified the role of both departments.
Commissioner Gilbert III expressed his support for the new role of DERM and seconded the motion.
Upon being put to a vote, the motion passed 11-1 (Chairman Rodriguez voted no; Commissioner Bermudez was absent).
ACA Alfonso read a motion by Commissioner Gilbert III, as follows:
�To amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Items C, E, and H to reduce the line item in the DTPW�s budget, specifically the �Transfer from Transit Operating Fund ET001 � from Other Operating Revenue� under the Underline Operations and Maintenance Trust Fund (Fund ET046) by $200,000 and to reallocate those funds to the Tourist Development Tax (Fund ST002) for legally eligible expenses.
�Commissioner Gilbert III further moves to establish as the policy of this Board that:
�The amount of County funds, regardless of funding source, disbursed from the Underline Operations and Maintenance Trust Fund (Fund ET046), or any other County fund, used to pay for the maintenance and/or operation of The Underline, shall be no greater than $2,000,000 in FY 2026-2027 and $1,411,000 in FY 2027-2028, inclusive of the amounts obligated by The Management Agreement as amended by Resolution No. R-972-20 and any future amendments approved by this Board, and the cost to the County of any in-kind services provided for The Underline, if any.�
Commissioner Cohen Higgins seconded the motion.
Commissioner Regalado clarified that while The Underline currently used security provided by the County, it could enter into another security agreement. She also opined that the County should act as a pass-through regarding fee structures.
Commissioner Gilbert III agreed and said the language should clarify that the proposed amendment did not involve pass-through funds. He also stated that funds from the TDT should be reallocated to Miami Fashion Week 2025.
There being no further questions or comments, the Board proceeded to vote on the motion, as amended, which passed 12-0 (Commissioner Bermudez was absent).
Senator Garcia made a motion, as follows:
�To amend the proposed budget and all relevant portions of Items C, E, and H to take all relevant funding, revenue and positions within the RER that are associated with the Miami-Dade County Film & Entertainment Office and the coordination of film activities and permitting and transfer them to a newly created Office of Film and Entertainment that would be under the Board of County Commissioners.�
Commissioner Regalado seconded the motion and asked for confirmation of the staff and operation budget of the office.
Mr. Clodfelter confirmed the budget was $510,000.
Senator Garcia explained it would be more suitable for the office to be part of the Board because the BCC dealt with the United States International Trade Commission and other entities such as major film studios, and had the operations in place to assist small film producers.
In response to Commissioner Cohen Higgins� question about which department-issued permits were related to film, Ms. Gomez said that RER issued the locational permits and that the office coordinated with relevant departments such as PROS. She added that the office currently reported to the Office of Innovation & Economic Development.
Mayor Levine Cava informed the Board members that the administration planned to include the office with RER but did not oppose the request to transfer the office to the BCC.
ACA Valdes clarified the motion would amend the relevant portions of Agenda Items C, E, and H to effectuate the changes.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the motion, which passed 12-0 (Commissioner Bermudez was absent).
Commissioner Higgins moved to modify all relevant portions of Items C, E, and H to declare a surplus of $1.5 million in the General Obligation Bond Project 297 and reallocate it to GOB Project 290 for the restoration of Vizcaya Museum and Garden�s main house and gardens.
Regarding Commissioner Hardemon�s question as to where the surplus originated from, Commissioner Higgins replied it came from funding designated for the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science & Planetarium and HistoryMiami Museum.
This motion was seconded by Commissioner Regalado, and upon being put to a vote, passed 11-0 (Senator Garcia and Commissioner Bermudez were absent).
ACA Alfonso read a motion by Commissioner Higgins, as follows:
�To direct the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to determine if a waiver of formal bid procedures is in the best interest of Miami-Dade County with respect to the provision of MetroConnect Services, and if so, to negotiate and finalize a contract or contract extension for a two-year term for the provision of MetroConnect Services and to take all necessary steps to in order to present such contract or contract extension for this Board�s consideration at the next available Board meeting.�
Commissioner Higgins noted that Ms. Miller informed her that DTPW was in the process of dividing their procurement process, one for delivery of services and one for computer systems. She said it may take more than 18 months to do so and wanted to ensure an out clause would be in the contract when the new RFP was awarded.
At Chairman Rodriguez�s request, Ms. Miller explained the RFP, which was withdrawn, had software and service provisions for MetroConnect, and the process to split the procurement would take about 18 months to complete.
Chairman Rodriguez commented it should not take 18 months to complete this task.
Commissioner Regalado supported splitting the RFP but suggested the contract should be for a one-year term.
Commissioner Higgins pointed out that DTPW may not have awarded a contract by the time a one-year contract ended, which is why she proposed a two-year contract with an out clause.
I
n response to Chairman Rodriguez�s question if the County could get out of a contract regardless of how many years it was set, ACA Alfonso said the terms could be negotiated and included. He then asked Ms. Miller if the County could get a better rate if it negotiated for a two-year contract with the current vendor.
Ms. Miller replied there may be associated costs for extending the contract and any contract would include a 90-day out clause.
Initially, Commissioner Higgins accepted Commissioner Regalado�s suggestion to amend the motion by finalizing two one-year contracts instead of a two-year contract, but she decided to leave her original motion unchanged. She added a requirement that DTPW had to provide verbal reports every six (6) months to the Transportation Committee with updates.
Commissioner Regalado seconded Commissioner Higgins� motion.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the motion, which passed 10-1, as amended (Commissioner Gonzalez voted no; Senator Garcia and Commissioner Bermudez were absent).
ACA Smith read a motion by Commissioner Regalado, as follows:
�To direct the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to explore whether it is in the best interest of Miami-Dade County and its residents to continue to own, operate and maintain the Helen Sawyer Assisted Living Facility public housing development in its current form and to consider alternative options for providing services and funding including but not limited to an RFP or RFI or CBO for services currently provided, and to provide a report to the Board that includes recommendations. Commissioner Regalado further moves to direct the County Mayor or County Mayor�s designee to place the completed report on an agenda of the full Board without Committee review within 60 days pursuant to rule 5.06 (j) of the Board�s Rules of Procedure.�
Commissioner Regalado explained that the annual cost of the ALF was $3 million, which was paid with the General Fund. She further commented that outside CBOs and organizations could operate the ALF at a lower cost.
Chairman Rodriguez advised that the reports undergo committee review before being presented to the Board.
Commissioner Regalado accepted the suggestion and Commissioner Hardemon seconded the motion.
Commissioners Gilbert III and Higgins questioned why the motion was proposed during today�s Budget Hearing and suggested the motion be proposed as a directive.
Commissioner Regalado replied that funding the ALF was an ongoing expense that had to be addressed and proposing the motion during a Budget Hearing called attention to the situation.
There being no further comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the motion, which passed 12-0, as amended (Commissioner Bermudez was absent).
There being no comments or questions, the Board proceeded to vote on the balance of the foregoing proposed ordinance, as amended.
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