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2025-07-14 Budget Workshop Minutes1 MEETING MINUTES JULY 14, 2025 5:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1) CALL TO ORDER Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 5:10 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 Mayor Charles opened the floor for public comments, noting there were no speakers present who wished to address the Council. 2 5) PRESENTATIONS 5.A FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP PRESENTATION (STAFF: VILLAGE MANAGER). Village Manager Scott presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, thanking staff, elected officials, and residents for their input. He emphasized that the budget addresses key resident concerns including septic-to-sewer conversion and flooding issues. Mr. Scott described the budget as "historic," noting it represents approximately $7.7 million in increased investment compared to the previous year, with $4 million coming from fund balance. He highlighted that the stormwater fund increased from $132,000 last year to $1.7 million this year, and explained that over $1 million from the CITT (Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust) fund would be invested in various infrastructure projects. The general fund increased by $1,754,000, with $1.3 million of that coming from increased ad valorem taxes due to higher property assessments. Other increases included a 25% rise in health insurance costs, a 6% increase in FPL bills, legal expenses, and $1.1 million in contingency funds. Capital projects funded by the general fund increased from $348,000 in the previous year to $1,380,000 for FY26. The stormwater fund increased from $805,000 to $2.5 million. The Information Technology fund increased by $1 million to address critical security needs, as Manager Scott emphasized the importance of securing the Village's IT systems after recounting his previous experience with a ransomware attack. The Village Manager's presentation covered each department's budget changes: - Village Manager's Office: Decreased by $10,316 due to contributions to internal service funds being moved to non-departmental division and salary split for the deputy village manager with the building department. - Mayor and Council: Decreased by approximately 7%. Discussion arose about the Cambridge program funding being placed under the council budget. Mayor Charles questioned whether this was appropriate since it could appear the program was at the discretion of the council rather than being a permanent village program. Councilmember Valinsky noted that having it in the council budget might help ensure council members pay close attention to the program's costs, which fluctuate based on teacher training needs. Consensus was reached to consider moving it to the non-departmental budget. - Village Clerk's Office: Decreased due to no elections scheduled for FY26 and reduced legal advertising costs following the transition to online publication of legal notices. Vice Mayor Cantor inquired about the budgeted deputy village clerk position that is currently vacant, and it was clarified that if the position remains unfilled, those funds would return to the general fund. - Finance and Non-departmental: Non-departmental costs increased significantly due to transfers from other departments. The Village Manager explained that the Cambridge program could be moved to this section of the budget. - Village Attorney's Office: Increased by $82,000 (20%) due to anticipated costs. 3 - Planning and Zoning: Increased by $35,600, including a 25% increase in health insurance costs. The budget allows flexibility to either hire consultants or bring planning and zoning staff in-house. - Human Resources and Risk Management: Risk management was transferred to human resources as a best practice. The budget includes increases for insurance premiums, employee engagement programs, and pre-employment screening. - Police Operations: Decreased by $1.4 million due to transfers to non-departmental, but includes lease payments for new Motorola radios and increased travel funds to maintain accreditation. - Neighborhood Services: Will be renamed the Code Compliance Department to better reflect its core mission. The budget includes funding for an additional Code Compliance Officer who will work staggered shifts to allow weekend inspections. The officers will also be equipped with body cameras. - Public Works: Beautification increased from $378,000 to $607,000 due to the transfer of recreation maintenance to this area. The budget includes funding for facility renovations, including improvements to the solid waste staff break area. - Enterprise funds and special revenue funds: The Local Option Gas Tax and CITT funds increased for road work and transportation projects. Fleet management increased by $313,000 for equipment purchases. Discussion occurred about potentially purchasing a bus instead of continuing to rent transportation services, with Councilmember Burch cautioning about problems other municipalities had experienced with ride-share programs. - Stormwater: Increased fund capital projects addressing flooding issues. - Brockway Library: Decreased by $119,000 due to non-departmental transfers. New expenses include $2,500 for an oral history project (with matching funds from the Miami Shores Community Alliance) and $3,000 for a native garden maintenance plan. - Parks and Recreation: Various changes to divisions, with the budget supporting the ongoing parks master plan expected in late fall. - Building Department: Increased by 41.5% with the addition of a part-time permit clerk to expedite permit processing. - Information Technology: Increased by $1,040,000 (83.55%) reflecting a shift from reactive support to strategic investment in secure, scalable infrastructure. Councilmembers expressed concerns about tracking budget trends with the new departmental structure, as the shifts in funds between departments make year-to-year comparisons difficult. The Village Manager agreed to develop a better way to visualize these changes for public understanding. Councilmember Burch requested clarification on the overall budget increase, which the Village Manager confirmed was approximately $7.6 million without ARPA funds. Manager Scott emphasized that most of this increase ($6 million) was for capital projects, with the remainder coming from ad valorem taxes ($1.3 million). Manager Scott identified several items still needing to be addressed: ● Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees ● Community center/parks plan 4 ● Increase in fee schedules ● Public feedback from the workshop ● Golf and Country Club direction Extensive discussion followed regarding the Golf and Country Club. Mayor Charles explained that the current management agreement ends October 31, 2025, with a six-month extension to April 30, 2026. He outlined the timeline needed to find a new management company, including completing an RFQ process by December and finalizing an agreement by February. The Mayor noted that the South Florida Water Management District's plans for a spillway project on golf course property complicates renovation plans. He emphasized the need for coordination between the Village's renovation plans and the District's project. The Council discussed potential costs, with the National Golf Foundation previously estimating $31- 35 million for renovations. Councilmembers agreed on the importance of maintaining the golf course as a revenue- generating business. Councilmember Valinsky emphasized that the golf course is one of the Village's few revenue-generating assets besides property taxes. Human Resources Director Yamileth Slate-McCloud presented findings from a survey of Miami- Dade County municipalities regarding COLA increases, reporting an average of 3.46% based on 17 responses. The Village Manager confirmed that tomorrow's council meeting would include a vote on maintaining the millage rate at 7.8, requiring a super majority vote. Discussion followed about the Village's relatively high millage rate compared to other municipalities, with council members noting that the county's portion of property taxes has increased over time while the Village's rate has remained stable. 5) ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion before the Village Council, the workshop adjourned at 8:13 PM.