[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6565387,"mediaKeyId","3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2","parentId",3220782,"title","Commission hears plan for $4.6 million 3 Islands guardhouse and traffic-calming project funded by city-imposed special assessment","audioSeconds",2291,"startMs",2623000,"endMs",4914000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2&start=2623&end=4914","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2/thumbnail_2623000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6565387/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Commission-hears-plan-for-46-million-3-Islands-guardhouse-and-traffic-calming-project-funded-by-city-imposed-special-assessment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565387-d5c6117f61885f33237588bdcf7568ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1776682345&Signature=fifTpwCite-m3bXjPLxdjLhImw5k4jiIqZkfB3ajS64Vv74QpZb6EdWmNeR8DvjNjJnv~kaGJa0SWm~LqYM1tXL1T4nynx2sNMoUr73WRTXUnwj1ZU0hpZM6Ojxfe7VeY54uM2Nb1l3MTibcpEkUXQdrGi9ubRYAV~-Spu15bVjDRnEEuandpcR1qdv9yW0a2yBTum7qGaxyqHX5rW~h96BJYSPS~7OciuhZfBL7845YYynnRCNmpm2m20K3lhnX5i9FclzvpelJBeljWs0O-99wEDN1VjpnozP3jgvO4JLghZhlhPFud6qDwdnY4wNQ5lFhazcI4Gf069jb9sBTPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hallandale Beach","date","2025-05-07T00:00:00Z","article","City staff recommended a city-imposed special assessment to pay for a planned 3 Islands guardhouse, roadway and traffic-calming project, telling the Commission on May 7 that the approach would avoid a voter referendum and allow construction to start this year.

Assistant Finance Director Sean Lee and outside counsel Christopher Rowe (Bridal Miller Olive) presented a funding strategy that sizes the project at roughly $4.6 million (about $4.0 million direct construction plus contingency, outreach, legal and advisory costs). Paul Lambert of Lambert Advisory said the recommendation would spread the cost across about 4,142 tax folios in the district and estimated a maximum per-parcel assessment of roughly $1,000 (about $200\u0000$260 per year over five years under staff calculations). Staff noted the assessment calculation can be adjusted if actual construction costs come in lower.

Rowe, the city's bond counsel, told commissioners that a city-imposed special assessment typically does not require a referendum and can be implemented quickly; that collection can be performed by putting the assessment on the ad valorem tax bill (turning collection over to the county tax collector); and that a court validation process is available to reduce legal challenges and lower borrowing costs. Rowe said one disadvantage is the need for a written showing that the properties bearing the assessment are specially benefited by the improvement.

Staff described three financing paths they considered\u0000district-issued debt (a \"geo\" style loan), an internal general-fund loan to be repaid by assessments, or a city special-assessment issuance. City staff recommended the city special-assessment approach as the fastest, referendum-free path that isolates the cost to benefited properties.

Key numbers and scheduling presented by staff:
- Project estimate (engineer opinion of probable cost, Oct. 2024): ~$4,000,000 direct construction; $4,600,000 total including 10% contingency and soft costs.
- District snapshot: about 4,142 tax folios, roughly 91% condominiums; about 88 folios are tax-exempt or at zero tax; staff said the district fund balance is about $1.5 million and recommended the commission consider applying a portion of those reserves to lower per-parcel assessment.
- Staff estimate of the average per-folio assessment is about $1,000 total (roughly $200\u0000$260 per year on a five-year repayment schedule), with options to prepay and to exempt certain low-income or otherwise exempt folios if the Commission chooses.

Construction schedule staff described: go to bid at the end of the month for design/construction; staff said they expect award and start between September and November 2025 and roughly a 12-month construction period after award.

Staff outlined the public process and timeline they will use for the assessment:
- May 7: first reading of procedural ordinance establishing the assessment framework and authority.
- May 21: second reading and adoption of the assessment procedure ordinance and adoption of an initial assessment resolution.
- May 29: mailing and public-notice steps.
- June 18: second reading/adoption of the final assessment ordinance and a reimbursement resolution authorizing potential issuance of assessment revenue bonds or notes (but not obligating issuance).
- Aug. 29: validation hearing in circuit court (optional but suggested to blunt litigation risk).
- Sept. 5: issue bank-loan RFP if staff determines external financing is needed.
- Nov. 7: first-year direct billing of assessments (because timing won't permit collection on the tax roll until the following year); years 2\u00005 would be collected on the ad valorem tax bill.

Commissioners asked about use of district reserves to lower per-parcel costs; staff and consultant said the district fund balance of roughly $1.5 million could be applied and showed examples (e.g., $500,000 or $1 million would reduce annual per-parcel cost noticeably). Commissioners also pressed staff on whether paving south of the bridge would be covered by the project; staff said the 3 Islands project limits of work stop at the bridge and additional repaving south of the bridge would be a separate CIP.

No final vote was taken May 7. Staff sought and received direction to proceed with the assessment process and with ordinance drafting and public notices under the timetable above so the city can begin construction on schedule if the Commission adopts the assessment in June.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hallandale Beach - May 7, 2025 Special City Commission Budget Workshop. - May 07, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff recommended a city-imposed special assessment to pay for a planned 3 Islands guardhouse, roadway and traffic-calming project, telling the Commission on May 7 that the approach would avoid a voter referendum and allow construction to start this year.","taxTitle","Hallandale Beach, Broward County, Florida","taxId",68768,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565392,"Hallandale Beach officials outline FY26 budget timeline, warn of property tax risk and tariff-driven cost pressures",574,545000,1119000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2&start=545&end=1119","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2/thumbnail_545000.jpg","/articles/6565392/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Hallandale-Beach-officials-outline-FY26-budget-timeline-warn-of-property-tax-risk-and-tariff-driven-cost-pressures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565392-f1eadb5a8946bc35c3b240b4204e113b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776682345&Signature=YT3LvjMyX6WKlxLeUpzwBJHHFedgAfnktMpSQsxTyDsQ5duqgfJObKINDt0ZdVcp9hgHngpFGE3xiUew8GluiU1MZH2rqMwYwHDKbogCbL895RyBCPFTM7aK8XtUsgGtYVVgc5Iac269ednp~Ij8b90qjslnGomctSHpR0wXRrpvHluNHfRon5Emu6qeHPYisEWoWcuk8VgnD1n1IFLZF--6KZ~PheX-PRB-Ooej6EKmzGsRfXivZcvMSfxejYtidEUCTPMwKOA5FIZPoHYy0KCz2g1irojWR0Rj6UjJSUHP1vheH~2g0sJnjpazXepPgXrI7hTRNYzho0sKGEj2JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hallandale Beach city staff presented a first-look at the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on May 7, saying the plan prioritizes infrastructure repairs and fiscal stability while preparing for possible changes to the state property tax framework.

City Manager Earl said the administration is \"shoring up our finances\" and that the city's recent audit supports continuing current priorities. Budget and Program Monitoring Director Natasha Mazzi outlined the schedule toward budget adoption, beginning with the May 7 workshop, a second workshop on June 4 and the city\u0000s planned June 18 meeting to set a tentative millage and budget for FY26.

Mazzi told commissioners the city is planning FY26 on \"the reality of economic uncertainty\" and listed major external risks: potential changes to property tax law that could shift revenue sources, rising tariffs that increase project costs, and other market forces. She said property tax currently provides roughly 54% of general-fund revenue and that the city\u0000s overall budget is about $206 million with roughly $64 million in property-tax revenue.

The presentation emphasized three budget \"pillars\" that will guide FY26 spending: results from the resident survey, the commission\u0000s annual action plan and the city\u0000s strategic plan. Mazzi said departments were asked to reduce operating expenses 2%–3% with minimal service impact and no staffing increases. Staff singled out unavoidable cost pressures including salary and benefit increases, the BSO fire contract, CRA/TIF payments, pension obligations, and liability insurance.

Human-resources director Reddy Dodia told commissioners the next pension valuation (as of Oct. 1, 2025) will show higher pension costs due primarily to a reduced assumed rate of return adopted by the pension board rather than immediate market losses.

City Manager Earl and staff also said they will run analyses this year on the possible fiscal impact if statewide ballot action reduces or eliminates property taxes, including estimates of what sales tax would need to rise to replace current revenues. Commissioners and staff discussed possible communication to residents explaining trade-offs (for example, how public-safety funding and water rates might need to change).

Staff said a second tranche of the utility bond and continued capital spending will remain priorities for addressing long-delayed infrastructure work, including drainage, water and sewer repairs, sidewalks and roadway improvements. The Commission scheduled additional budget workshops and expects to return with utility and capital project items at the June 4 meeting and to finalize tentative numbers on June 18.

Looking ahead, Mazzi said the budget process will emphasize flexibility and resilience: \"We are doubling down on our investments,\" she said, while also preparing for lower revenues or higher costs if proposed changes to property tax or continued tariff pressure materialize.

The commission did not take formal action on the FY26 budget at the May 7 meeting; staff said further decisions and formal readings will be scheduled in the coming weeks.","City officials presented a cautious FY26 budget plan focused on infrastructure and fiscal stability, flagging a possible November ballot measure to reduce or eliminate property taxes, rising pension costs and tariff-driven construction cost increases.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565372,"Hallandale Beach proposes appointment system and fees to curb rising yard-and-bulk collection costs",1004,7688000,8692000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2&start=7688&end=8692","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2/thumbnail_7688000.jpg","/articles/6565372/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Hallandale-Beach-proposes-appointment-system-and-fees-to-curb-rising-yard-and-bulk-collection-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565372-15913b8f46ab5d9d64d6647d59e3b0d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776682345&Signature=GocYuK2UBXkJnuqv0JiyKHCTGpWCALNkOBPLGO0C7UEN8sEIjw39~O7LssztDgoqUGLNVBpc~sJURax4dR-8R9AF4M55bFgM-97nA3em5gJ68kGMSufhZvXUxcX7HBr9i9~5yXw-FyG6hqG8nL~b3sor9qInDiMH191J5njvO1hw~DLagQ0c-ztP1JfWV-N0V9YEQ3Pxy8hILSFgQ18ZaeonJ4MKdmlKRxFCkTvU20CeqqmhHcmwTvMO4mkGWU-bOYhsdzTeMwrT6~wxr2z2-LvBH57dznPSBKeNQzkGyfrQAVdty3SjJhJIb-ePVu~kDftrZ1w21jrsSwlTtZBFIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City sanitation staff told commissioners May 7 they will propose moving from the current monthly sweep model to an appointment-based yard-and-bulk pickup program, separating yard waste from bulk-material pickups, tightening limits on free service and charging for excess volumes.

Public-services staff and Director Jeff (JT) Town said the current city program provides combined yard and bulk pickup at no charge to single-family properties (up to 6 cubic yards per month, per the existing practice) and that the city currently spends roughly $500,000 annually on collection, maintenance and vehicle depreciation for the grapple trucks used in the program. Staff said disposal of roughly 2,200 tons per year costs the city about $64.90 per ton and that the county\u0000s resident drop-off program costs the city about $76,000 annually.

Sanitation staff recommended three principal changes to reduce cost and improve efficiency:
1) Shift to an appointment-based system using an online or phone scheduler and run pickups by routed blocks, reducing unnecessary driving and truck wear-and-tear;
2) Separate yard waste from bulk items. Staff proposed a free yard-waste allowance of 40 cubic yards per property per year (with a recommended minimum number of pickups and a limit on the number of pickups per year); any yard waste beyond the allowance would be charged at about $35 per cubic yard, payable when the pickup is scheduled; and
3) Charge for bulk-item pickups (as the municipal ordinance already contemplates), and continue to encourage residents to use the county\u0000s drop-off centers (open Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pompano Beach, Davie and West Park) for larger loads.

Staff said the appointment-and-fee approach will allow them to better route trucks, reduce mileage and prolong vehicle life, and focus field crews on scheduled work rather than driving citywide searching for material. Staff also said the county drop-off program accepts many of the same materials (appliances, furniture, paint and household hazardous waste, electronics) and that residents can use it up to four times per month.

Commissioners expressed support for curbing abuse of the free-collection program (examples cited: commercial or construction debris left for municipal pickup, repeated large furniture dumps, and overflowing private dumpsters) and asked staff to return with a proposed ordinance amendment, enforcement plan and implementation timeline. Staff said they will prepare the scheduling software procurement and public education plan and then return with a formal ordinance and fee schedule for Commission approval.","City staff proposed switching to an appointment-based pickup system, separating yard waste from bulk items, limiting free yard-service to 40 cubic yards per property per year and charging $35 per cubic yard for amounts above that; staff also urged greater use of county drop-off centers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565377,"Hallandale Beach reports steady cemetery revenues, staff shortages and plans consultant review for mausoleum and long-term sustainability",1318,10687000,12005000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2&start=10687&end=12005","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2/thumbnail_10687000.jpg","/articles/6565377/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Hallandale-Beach-reports-steady-cemetery-revenues-staff-shortages-and-plans-consultant-review-for-mausoleum-and-long-term-sustainability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565377-2adffdea5671ceb47b68073b0d76d8c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776682345&Signature=fq3MCaK2dzbaRkqSdJEX93HAqtUXOqIMsHxY3eICtQcT6W4k~YWbgxuQSERFkDQPVWh9rW15Vd9IlBrfoLtm03jaPq4cbtwjgq1DYSrxauzCNSXvKRX-e3dyUz0NidAAORofTSQM0EedBxBN2AwDsgPqgJUuzZNP-Y-pk15ZNEHusalW1qPrg3v8gnjmUQjJZ1nor2xHVxH-BU1dcjUlh8k1StcItPJoo3I2VS-ymnCjIRYT6k8XLo6k1IDLAW~PXhHtLd5esc2lcHp-ys2HQJuj~iEH9-PNqSsKzKQSDbq-7C78OnRgAqj15OSk8nQIwFotr5B8ux3XtX0AIQN-Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Cemetery staff updated the Commission on May 7 about operations, revenues and long-term capacity, and said they will seek consultant assistance to model pricing and evaluate how to add above-ground burial (mausoleum or niches) as space becomes limited.

Troy (presenting) said the cemetery currently oversees about 7,100 plots, of which approximately 5,000 are occupied. The facility also has niche/memorial space in a small mausoleum; staff said about 30 niches are available. Troy said the cemetery relies on a small crew (four FTEs are budgeted but two positions have been vacant much of the year) and that vacancies have reduced operating capacity but also reduced payroll expenses in FY25.

Staff reported higher-than-expected burial volume in the past year, which helped revenue. Troy said the cemetery\u0000s unrestricted fund balance is roughly $600,000 but that the general fund still provides material support. He said staff implemented late/early fees for funeral homes and enforcement of scheduling; those fees generated approximately $6,000 in penalties and have already changed some funeral-home behavior.

City Manager Earl and Troy proposed hiring an external consultant (budgeted estimate $25,000) to perform a market review of rates (resident vs. nonresident), operational optimization, alternative burial options (including niches and mausoleums) and long-term sustainability. Staff said a consultant can model scenarios such as building a mausoleum, estimate revenue and returns on investment, and recommend timing so the city is not left without capacity when grave space fills.

Troy said the city is exploring whether to expand above-ground capacity; staff cited a conceptual mausoleum price estimate (one illustrative proposal was roughly $100,000 for a scaled structure) and said cremation niches nationally are often priced lower than full-ground burial, depending on configuration. Troy recommended updating scheduling and inventory systems, and asked for direction to solicit consultant proposals; the Commission agreed to return with consultant results before taking construction decisions. Commissioner questions focused on whether the cemetery should be privatized, how to price resident vs. nonresident interments, and how to ensure perpetual care after plots are sold.

The Commission did not adopt any construction contracts or change fees on May 7; staff said they will issue the consultant RFP and return with recommended rate changes, pricing and any mausoleum design options for future Commission action.","City staff reported roughly 5,000 occupied plots, a $600,000 unrestricted cemetery fund balance and staffing shortfalls. Staff proposed hiring a consultant (budget $25,000) to study pricing, operational adjustments and whether to add a mausoleum or other niche capacity.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565382,"Hallandale Beach staff to survey property lines and add signage after debate over perimeter fencing at Joseph Scobble Park",4091,6621000,10712000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2&start=6621&end=10712","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3220782-b93a100ee6fed3f5e3afcce9a78fc6b2/thumbnail_6621000.jpg","/articles/6565382/Hallandale-Beach/Broward-County/Florida/Hallandale-Beach-staff-to-survey-property-lines-and-add-signage-after-debate-over-perimeter-fencing-at-Joseph-Scobble-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565382-7c011ece1a2a03af5a2c133dfa24ad44/orig.mp4?Expires=1776682345&Signature=JnBbXk8IIjR2XAbR2g2F0F3PdJnh5ITSTRWoAMwb3-7fD7vjEurX4WrsXefNC7hU-mPi56cR1oe12cjidPfLzWB2lwl9feANqRs1nqOSyl4dQEtiyVEzF~HDQlEIKub0VR20k-31YImLerCksU1EjjT0ginNvqmgaTJ71RAbID3PuH4xWVCSyH9-OpTQWvofWk9LcD4mWZkNEx7B8USDlj-YNI2VB8CztxZCbihKDiGd5gYTeuPyfjFhR8uRThEGO9EYuxA6Co5oioTpIeT38u88ymYTeyS~Iz3CM2YTIYSp5n17R6~HySZ-LUpOnCoE8sT59VSrtYQKm8HVEr-FqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City parks staff outlined options for a perimeter fence at Joseph Scobble Park and received direction May 7 to pursue immediate enforcement steps, obtain a property-line survey and return with placement recommendations rather than move forward with a full closed gate.

Kathy Shonstorff, director of Integration and Open Spaces, reviewed incident data showing higher after-hours calls for Scobble Park than similar city parks and described repeated problems: people sleeping in the park after hours, domestic yard waste and trimming debris left in the park, bicycles and minibikes ridden through park trails, and frequent off-leash dogs in playground areas. Shonstorff said staff has tried signage and temporary barriers and that the dog-facility fence will be upgraded from 4 to 6 feet as a separate procurement.

Staff presented fence options used elsewhere in the city (aluminum \"picket\"/Ascot styles, six-foot stockade, and black vinyl-coated chain link) and said the recommended approach is:
- Confirm property lines with a GPS survey to identify utilities and any need for easements; staff said a survey is required before placement decisions are final.
- Replace or upgrade the park-facing stockade fence and connect perimeter fencing where appropriate; use 6-foot fencing for the dog area.
- Install clearer signs about closing hours and trespass, and step up enforcement with the city's enforcement staff and police so that after-hours presence is treated as trespassing.

During discussion commissioners expressed differing views about closing parks at night and preserving open public space for walkers. Several commissioners said they are concerned about losing open-access walking space for residents who exercise at night. Others said the scale of calls for service and repeated misuse justified physical separation from private backyards.

City Manager Earl summarized a near-term plan agreed by the Commission and staff: obtain the GPS property-line survey, immediately install clearer closing and trespass signage at park entrances, authorize stepped-up enforcement (warnings followed by trespass orders where appropriate), and return with proposed fence alignment that secures the park perimeter (staff said the plan under review would fence the north, east and south sides while leaving the west/front open). Staff said procurement for fence work and dog-fence upgrades will proceed, with installation targeted before the end of the current fiscal year if property-line and access questions can be resolved.

Staff and commissioners also asked Public Works and Code Enforcement to provide a clear timeline for resident notification, easement options for utilities and whether homeowners\u0000existing back-yard gates should remain for private access if an easement is granted. No formal vote was taken; commissioners directed staff to proceed with survey, signage and enforcement and to return with final fencing plans and costs.","After months of complaints about after-hours use, dogs and debris at Joseph Scobble Park, staff presented perimeter-fence options and the commission directed immediate signage, enforcement (trespass) and a property-line survey to inform any fence installation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission hears plan for $4.6 million 3 Islands guardhouse and traffic-calming project funded by city-imposed special assessment

Hallandale Beach officials outline FY26 budget timeline, warn of property tax risk and tariff-driven cost pressures

Hallandale Beach proposes appointment system and fees to curb rising yard-and-bulk collection costs

Hallandale Beach reports steady cemetery revenues, staff shortages and plans consultant review for mausoleum and long-term sustainability

Hallandale Beach staff to survey property lines and add signage after debate over perimeter fencing at Joseph Scobble Park