With city commissioners set to consider a series of bond-related measures next week — possible groundwork for a proposed $450 million public safety bond — the city’s own audited financial statements show last year’s borrowing increased debt and borrowing costs while new fiscal pressures continue to mount.
David Villano
Inside City Hall: The Rise of Six-Figure Public Safety Pensions
As Miami officials ask voters to approve $450 million in borrowing for new police and fire facilities, a Spotlight analysis of retirement records reveals another major long-term public safety cost: The city’s police and fire retirement system paid out nearly $192 million last year in pension and cost-of-living benefits.
City Commission Rejects Environmental Review Rollback
The Miami City Commission on Thursday rejected a controversial proposal to eliminate independent environmental impact studies for certain major city land transactions after city officials said the provision had been mistakenly included in a broader legislative package updating the city’s traffic-impact study requirements. While the traffic study provisions did pass,[Read More…]
City Moves to Eliminate Independent Environmental Reviews
A proposed overhaul of Miami’s traffic-impact regulations would also eliminate a little-known requirement for independent environmental studies on major city land deals, raising questions about oversight of upcoming redevelopment projects.
Lawsuit Claims City Manipulated Grove Waterfront Appraisal
The operator of Grove Harbour, home to The Fresh Market and a Dinner Key marina, claims city officials improperly intervened in an independent appraisal process in an effort to justify millions of dollars in additional rent.
Internal Q&A Reveals Miami’s $450 Million Public Safety Bond Could Cost Taxpayers Nearly $800 Million
Documents obtained by the Spotlight show city officials estimate the proposed borrowing would ultimately cost $795 million, while future staffing costs for new facilities have yet to be calculated.
Spotlight Exclusive: Escalona Outlines Transparency Agenda for City Hall
Calling City Hall’s culture “damaged,” Miami District 3 Commissioner Rolando Escalona tells the Spotlight he wants to curb undisclosed legislative changes, overhaul public-records practices, and use technology to give residents unprecedented access to government information.
As Tree Appeals Surge, Critics Question City’s Permit Practices
Miami residents are mounting a growing challenge to city-issued tree removal permits, with at least 14 appeals now in process, as critics accuse city officials of adopting an increasingly permissive approach to enforcing Miami’s tree protection laws.
City Launches Salary Portal, But Key Pay Data Remains Hidden
Miami’s new salary transparency website makes it easier to see what city employees are scheduled to earn. What it still won’t show is the full breakdown of compensation behind those figures.
Greenway Bonus Proposal Returns in Expanded Form
After an April hearing at the City’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board was canceled for lack of a quorum, Miami officials are bringing back a controversial proposal that would allow taller and denser development near bike trails and pedestrian corridors — but with a significantly larger footprint than originally proposed.
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