The Miami City Commission voted Saturday to set the solid waste fee paid by homeowners at $380 for the fiscal year that begins October 1 – the same rate that homeowners paid this year.
The commission voted in June to cap the fee at $440 – a 16% increase – without committing to the higher fee. The higher fee was advertised on the tax notices sent to property owners in early August, however.
Miami has not raised its solid waste fee in 14 years although the department routinely runs a deficit, now estimated at $20 million a year. In the past, Miami has tapped its general fund to make up the shortfall.
“The biggest problem we have with Solid Waste is that we have the lowest fee by far of any municipality and we provide the greatest service,” District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo told the Spotlight.
Saturday’s meeting offered the public its first chance to comment on the city’s proposed 2024-2025 budget but only 25 people took advantage of the opportunity. The public comment period lasted less than an hour. Those who spoke raised a number of concerns.
Several speakers protested the city’s decision to eliminate the Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP) that investigates citizen complaints against Miami police officers. The city has moved to close the office to comply with a new state law. Advocates say the city should test the law before making a final decision.
Another concern raised by residents: the need for enhanced marine patrols to crack down on recreational boaters who blast music at full volume while boating on Biscayne Bay and the Miami River.
When the public comment period closed and commissioners had an opportunity to speak, District 3 Commissioner Joe Carollo made a pitch for lower taxes.
“Our property taxes have increased to a level not seen ever before,” he said. “Who in the heck can afford to live in Miami any more if you’re not part of the rich and famous?”
Miami’s proposed tax rate of $7.39 for every $1,000 of assessed property value is slightly lower than the current rate ($7.46) but many homeowners will pay more in taxes because property values are rising.
If the budget is adopted as proposed, the city will collect an extra $59.6 million in property taxes this year, an 11 percent increase.
The second and final budget hearing happens September 26 at 5:05 p.m.
Coming Friday: District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo talks about his budget priorities.
