Mayor Josh Dieguez said there are “no sacred cows” when it comes to the 2025-2026 Miami Lakes general fund budget.
“We need to cut back on certain line items,” Dieguez said during a Aug. 27 workshop. The next workshop is Sept. 3; votes will happen during two budget hearings, on Sept. 11 and Sept. 25.
The council engaged with residents as they reviewed the spending plan.
In July, the council set a cap for the millage rate at 2.63, which is $2.63 per every $1,000 of assessed property value. It’s 27% higher than the current $2.07 rate.
Town Manager Ed Pidermann since proposed a lower millage of $2.24, 8% above current millage but well below the cap.
He also pitched a hike from 3% to 6% of the FPL utility fee, a consumption tax customers pay via FPL to the town. The council may discuss those ideas at future meetings.
Pidermann also suggested cost of living raises of 3%, and keeping budgets flat for the 12 volunteer committees.
Council members wanted to cut committee budgets and stop spending tax dollars on educational brochures, key chains, magnets and pens.
They also considered cutting council travel budgets. Staff trips should stop unless required for credentials, and they should take online courses instead, they said.
Vice Mayor Bryan Morera wanted to bring back a property tax exemption for seniors with low incomes.
The council also questioned why the town pays the county for crossing guards and courses at public schools and the library.
Another topic was fees charged by consultants when managing bids.
Councilman Steven Herzberg asked questioned free martial arts classes for children who live elsewhere; if kids who play on Optimist Club teams should pay more than a $5 participation fee, and funding background checks on coaches.