The Miami Lakes town council has set a tentative property tax rate for the 2021-2022 fiscal year that will keep the millage the same as it has been since 2019.
Though the millage rate may stay flat, some property owners may see slight tax increases.
The Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser’s Office sets appraisals, and property values have increased by 3.6 percent, according to documents prepared by Town Manager Edward Pidermann.
Any increases to ad valorem taxes will appear on proposed property tax notices (TRIM notices) that are mailed to homeowners in August.
The proposed rate of 2.3127 mills, or $2.31 per $1,000 of assessed property, means a homeowner with property valued at $350,000, less her $50,000 homestead exemption, would pay $693.81 to Miami Lakes, the town said.
The taxes will generate an estimated $8.2 million in ad valorem revenue, part of the town’s $18.8 million general fund budget.
That $8.2 million raised through property taxes will be spent entirely toward the $8,846,856 the town has budgeted for the Miami-Dade Police contract and crossing guard costs, officials said.
At a July 20 special meeting, three residents asked the council to levy taxes using the state’s rollback rate of 2.2168 mills.
Councilmembers unanimously voted to keep the 2.3137 rate, except for Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano who was absent.
Miami Lakes Budget Officer Melissa Hernandez said taxing with the roll- back rate would mean revenues would be $343,000 less than what would be raised with the proposed rate.
Mayor Manny Cid said several years ago, some residents questioned the town’s expenditures for police services.
“They asked why we were adding police officers, and why are we spending so much money on police services,” Cid said. “The proof is in the pudding.
We have the lowest crime rate and our residents are happy.”
Cid said “the vast majority of residents” want to see the town fully fund the police department.
A sunshine budget meeting to discuss other funds in the budget will be held Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Two budget hearings, are scheduled for Sept. 7 and Sept. 21, both at 7:30 p.m.
All three meetings will be held at Miami Lakes Town Hall, 6601 Main St.