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2025-06-17 Pre-budget Workshop Minutes1 PRE-BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES JUNE 17, 2025 5:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Jerome Charles called the meeting to order at 5:07 PM. 2) MOMENT OF SILENCE / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3) ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Jerome Charles Vice Mayor Neil Cantor Councilmember George Burch Councilmember Patrick B. Devaney Councilmember Jesse Valinsky Also Present: Village Manager Esmond Scott Village Attorney Chanae Wood Village Clerk Ysabely Rodriguez 4) PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. 5) PRESENTATIONS 5.A PRE-BUDGET DISCUSSION WORKSHOP (PRESENTED BY: ESMOND K. SCOTT, VILLAGE MANAGER): - FISCAL YEAR 2026, BUDGETING TIMELINES AND FISCAL YEAR 2026 PRIORITIES AS PER THE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN, CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN, COUNCIL, AND STAFF. 2 Village Manager Esmond Scott presented the pre-budget discussion workshop. He thanked the Mayor and Council for adjusting their schedules and the staff for their work on the budgets. He welcomed Hayden, a graduate of their academy, and explained the purpose of the pre-budget workshop. Mr. Scott discussed the budget climate, which is influenced by federal, state, and county agencies, the Miami Shores Village community, the finance team, department heads, and the Village Council and administration. He emphasized that while no votes would be taken during the workshop, he hoped for discussion and guidance from the Council. The budget process was outlined, spanning from March to September, a total of about 7 months. Mr. Scott highlighted key factors driving the budget, including revenue and expenses, projects, priorities from Council retreats, the strategic management plan, Council consensus, needed investments, and master plans. He discussed the golf course and country club operations, and the need for total community input. Health insurance costs, police department negotiations, and the need to look at other revenue sources were also mentioned. Mr. Scott emphasized the importance of grants, which have saved the Village approximately $27 million. He also discussed the need to reassess user fees and administrative costs for services. The Village Manager touched on several budget highlights and priorities, including communication improvements, the Gulf and Country Club, the strategic plan, capital improvement projects, facilities and infrastructure needs, master plans, cybersecurity threats, and planning and zoning issues. Mr. Scott discussed the 9900 building, mentioning that it needs work and is expensive to repair. He suggested the possibility of stripping the interior of the building and putting on a new roof to save on 40- year recertification costs. The Council engaged in a discussion about the 9900 building, its potential uses, and the costs associated with repairing or repurposing it. They also discussed the need for a new community center and the potential for bundling various projects together for a future bond referendum. Mr. Scott mentioned that the Village has strong reserves and suggested that some of these funds could be used for needed investments. He also discussed the possibility of being creative in recouping the money spent on the roof of the 9900 building. The Councilmembers expressed their appreciation for the dedication of the Village staff and discussed the potential for bundling projects to make them more attractive to the community when seeking public approval. Mr. Scott concluded by saying he would bring forward the quote for the roof at an upcoming meeting for a vote, and he would also consult with staff about the possibility of stripping the interior the 9900 building and putting on a new roof to save on recertification costs. 5) ADJOURNMENT The workshop adjourned at 6:25 PM.