2025-09-16 Final Budget Minutes1
FINAL BUDGET HEARING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1) CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Charles called the meeting to order at 6:02 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) RESOLUTION(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 2025/2026,
WHICH IS 8.65% GREATER THAN THE CALCULATED ROLLED-BACK RATE OF 7.1791
MILLS; AND ADOPTING THE FINAL DEBT SERVICE MILLAGE RATE OF 0.1331 MILLS
(STAFF: DEPUTY FINANCE DIRECTOR).
The Village Clerk read the title of the resolution, which included details of the proposed millage
rate of 7.8000 mills (8.65% greater than the calculated rollback rate of 7.1791 mills) and the debt
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service millage rate of 0.1331 mills. The Clerk noted that the resolution followed the July 15,
2025 public meeting where the Village Council adopted Resolution 2025-30 setting the proposed
millage rate. The Clerk further explained that on September 3, 2025, the Village Council adopted
the tentative millage rate of 7.8 mills and a tentative debt service millage rate of 0.1331 mills.
Mayor Charles opened the public hearing for comments on the millage rate. There were no
public comments or e-comments on this item.
There was no discussion from the Council.
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, 2025, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2026, 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: DEPUTY FINANCE
DIRECTOR).
The Village Clerk read the title of the resolution.
Village Manager Esmond Scott presented the tentative budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. He
noted that this was the second and final reading following several prior discussions, including a
pre-budget workshop, a budget workshop, and a first reading.
Mayor Charles opened the public hearing for comments on the budget. There were no public
comments or e-comments on this item.
Mr. Scott highlighted that the tentative budget is approximately $5 million over last year's budget,
with a total of $46,900,000. He noted that while the ARPA funds in the amount of $3 million don't
reflect in this budget, those dollars have been encumbered and aligned with ongoing projects.
Mr. Scott thanked the Council for approving employee benefits in the budget, including a 3%
cost of living increase, and contributions toward insurance, narrowing the gap between collective
bargaining unit and general employees.
4) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Village Council, the meeting adjourned at 6:25 PM.