The 2026-2027 Town of Miami Lakes budget and millage rate have been approved.
The millage rate remains unchanged at 2.1577 mills or $2.15 per $1,000 of assessed property value after the vote at the September 24 meeting. During the final hearing, the council approved the $24,244,785 operating budget that will fund services like police, parks and recreation, public works and other town operations.
The 2026-2027 budget also includes $21.5 million for capital projects such as the Northwest 59 Avenue extension, bicycle and pedestrian improvements for Miami Lakes Park West, senior center buildout and improvements to Miami Lakes Optimist Park.
While the budget was approved, the council did set aside money for a few priority items, including the return of the senior rebate.
The rebate, which was presented by Vice Mayor Bryan Morera, ensures that low-income seniors receive a check.
The item passed unanimously and added $85,000 to be used for the checks.
Also added to savings during the meeting was $251,598 to be used for tree trimming.
Both Mayor Josh Dieguez and Councilmember Juan Carlos Fernandez brought up the town’s recent reduction in tree trimming. Both said they have heard from residents who feel the trees are not trimmed enough. That item passed unanimously.