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2024-09-17 Final Budget Hearing Minutes1 FINAL BUDGET HEARING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Burch called the meeting to order at 6:11 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL Present: Mayor George Burch Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky Councilmember Sandra Harris Councilmember Jerome Charles Councilmember Neil Cantor arrived at 6:37PM Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4) RESOLUTION(S)-PUBLIC HEARING(S) 4.A A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 7.8000 MILLS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025, WHICH IS 11.81% GREATER THAN THE CALCULATED ROLLED-BACK RATE OF 6.9761 MILLS; AND ADOPTING THE FINAL DEBT SERVICE MILLAGE RATE OF 0.1459 MILLS (STAFF: FINANCE DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the entire resolution into the record. Village Manager Scott inquired whether the Council wished to proceed with the hearing without Councilmember Cantor. Vice Mayor Valinsky then asked if a minimum of four votes would be required to approve the millage rate resolution. A brief discussion followed regarding the number of votes necessary to pass the budget. 2 Vice Mayor Valinsky moved to recess until Councilmember Cantor arrived, and Councilmember Charles seconded the motion. Mayor Burch and Councilmember Harris questioned whether the postponement of the resolutions would still allow for discussions on the millage and budget items. Attorney Wood clarified only staff presentations related to the budget could ensue. Village Manager Scott opened the meeting, expressing appreciation to staff for their efforts in compiling a comprehensive and balanced budget. He gave a brief presentation, answered the Council's questions, and provided an overview of the budget, including a total of $41.8 million across all funds, a proposed millage rate of 7.8 mills, an 11.4% increase in ad valorem taxable value, and $5.22 million allocated for capital improvement projects. He also highlighted key budget investments for FY2025, focusing on infrastructure, information technology, and human resources, along with allocations for charitable donations, the Green Day event, a 3.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA), increased legal fees, $5,000 for life insurance and ADD benefits, and a sanitation rate study. Chief Financial Officer Hugdahl presented an overview of the contingency options, clarifying that committed fund balances are earmarked for specific purposes and should not be considered as reserve funds. If the Council expressed a preference, staff would draft a resolution to formalize their intentions. Councilmember Harris requested an update from Village Manager Scott on her earlier inquiry about the Village's contingency spending in the last fiscal year. Village Manager Scott deferred to Chief Financial Officer Hugdahl for the information. Village Manager Scott further explained that $1 million had been set aside for COLA and a future septic-to-sewer project, which the Council had previously approved. He asked Chief Financial Officer Hugdahl to provide a detailed report on contingency fund usage at the next Council meeting. Vice Mayor Valinsky then asked for clarification on what happens to contingency funds exceeding the $1 million set aside. Chief Financial Officer Hugdahl explained that any leftover funds at the end of the year would be added to the surplus. Mayor Burch inquired about how much Miami Shores Village homeowners could expect their taxes to increase. He also sought clarification on whether homeowners were subject to a 3% cap on assessed value increases, despite the Village's revenue increasing by 11.6%. Chief Financial Officer Hugdahl confirmed that 70% of homes in Miami Shores are homesteaded and cannot have their value increase by more than 3%. She further explained the difference between market value and taxable value, noting that the average homeowner would see an annual tax increase of approximately $40. Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. There were no public comments. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Valinsky to adopt the 7.8 millage rate. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Chares which carried a 5-0 roll call vote. Councilmember Charles – AYE Councilmember Harris – AYE Councilmember Cantor – AYE Vice Mayor Valinsky – AYE Mayor Burch - AYE 3 4.B A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE FINAL OPERATING AND CAPITAL OUTLAY BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2024, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, PURSUANT TO SECTION 200.065, FLORIDA STATUTES; AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES CONSISTENT THEREWITH AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN BUDGET AMENDMENTS WITHIN A DEPARTMENT PROVIDED THAT THE TOTAL OF THE APPROPRIATIONS IS NOT CHANGED; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (STAFF: FINANCE DIRECTOR). Village Clerk Rodriguez read the caption of the resolution into the record. Mayor Burch opened the floor to public comments. There were no public comments. Village Clerk Rodriguez read eComments into the record. Councilmember Charles moved to approve the resolution, adopting the budget for FY24-25. Vice Mayor Valinsky seconded the motion which carried a 4-1 roll call vote. Mayor Burch voted in opposition. Councilmember Charles – AYE Councilmember Harris – AYE Councilmember Cantor – AYE Vice Mayor Valinsky – AYE Mayor Burch – NAY Village Manager Scott thanked the staff and Village Council on all of their hard work on approving the 2024-2025 budget. The Council presented a plaque to outgoing Chief Financial Officer Holly Hugdahl for her years of service to the Village. Village Manager Scott thanked Chief Financial Officer Hugdahl for her years of service and Mayor Burch thanked Chief Financial Officer Hugdahl for her dedication and commitment. 4) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.