Spotlight 207-260512

Good morning. What we’re covering in today’s Spotlight:

Miami’s $46 Million Budget Bump
The Grove’s New Rideshare Service
More Pension Benefits for Firefighters
The Price to Play Padel in the Grove
Election Reform: A New Proposal

Amid Record Spending, City Asks for $46 Million More

Just months after Mayor Eileen Higgins pledged to rein in runaway spending, city officials are pushing to increase the current-year budget by about 2.5% while leaving unclear why much of the money is needed and where it will ultimately go.

By David Villano

As the Miami City Commission prepares Thursday to debate a proposed $450 million public-safety bond — adding additional debt service to a city budget that has doubled over the past five years — commissioners are also quietly considering a midyear budget amendment that would increase spending by another $46 million, or roughly 2.5% above previously approved levels for the current fiscal year.

The amendment would also codify broad authority for the city manager over money already approved in the city budget, allowing the manager to shift funds between accounts, transfer reserves, reorganize departments and adjust staffing levels throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.

Free Rideshare Service Launches in Coconut Grove

Grove residents, public transit riders and tourists have a new way to get around the Grove – and it’s free (for a limited time).

By Jenny Jacoby

A new rideshare program called Circuit has launched in Coconut Grove, providing free or low-cost rides to anywhere in the neighborhood, including right to your doorstep.

“Circuit adds another layer of accessibility and convenience within Coconut Grove,” Mark Burns, executive director of the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, told the Spotlight. Burns joined Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to mark the launch of the service.

The new rideshare program, which will cost the Coconut Grove BID and the City of Miami approximately $50,000 a month to operate, is intended to alleviate the pressure on Center Grove parking and reduce congestion on the neighborhood’s busiest streets.

Miami Eyes New Firefighter Pension Expansion Without Public Cost Estimate

As Miami’s pension obligations continue to swell, a city proposal would expand firefighter retirement benefits and extend participation in the lucrative DROP program, ending pension reforms imposed during the city’s fiscal crisis — but without publicly disclosing how much the changes may ultimately cost taxpayers.

By David Villano

A City of Miami proposal to expand firefighter pension benefits and lengthen participation in a lucrative retirement program is moving toward a commission vote with little public discussion — and without any disclosed estimate of the long-term financial consequences.

The ordinance, scheduled for consideration Thursday, would partially roll back pension reforms adopted during Miami’s fiscal crisis more than a decade ago and allow some firefighters to remain in the city’s Deferred Retirement Option Program, or DROP, for up to seven years instead of four-and-a-half.

Grand Avenue’s Ace Padel Announces Prices

The membership rates for the Padel sports club in Little Bahamas are higher than those at comparable facilities in Little River and Aventura, but below the rates charged by another club in Wynwood.

By Jenny Jacoby

As construction moves forward on its Grand Avenue racquet sports club, Ace Padel has unveiled steep membership pricing ahead of its expected opening later this summer.

For individuals, a club membership will cost $299 a month with a $999 initiation fee. A couple’s membership will cost $399 a month with a $1,499 initiation fee, while family plans for up to four people are priced at $499 a month with a $1,999 initiation fee.

Membership includes a dedicated concierge, six guest passes per year, early access to social events, and a club lounge with a sauna and cold plunge.

Pardo Drops “Bonus Year” in New Election Proposal

The Miami City Commission will try again Thursday to shift the city’s election calendar from odd to even years, with a new proposal on the table – one that treats the mayor’s term of office the same as those for commissioners.

Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo has proposed new legislation that would shorten everyone’s term of office – one time, by a year – to accomplish the shift, for city officials elected in 2031 and 2033.

That represents a new approach for Pardo, who previously had sought to change the city’s election cycle by granting all five commissioners a one-time bonus year in office.