Miami-Dade County's Safety and Health Committee meeting on September 9, 2025, spotlighted a significant financial discussion regarding the Fire Rescue Department's budget. The meeting revealed a substantial carryover of $244 million, with $44 million identified as unencumbered funds, raising questions about resource allocation and service needs.

Fire Chief Ray Jadalla confirmed that all $44 million is already accounted for, indicating that while the funds have not yet been spent, they are earmarked for future capital projects and operational costs. This means the money is committed but not yet due for expenditure, allowing for planned enhancements in the department's capabilities over the next fiscal years.

The conversation shifted to the addition of fire units, with Chief James Reyes noting that the department had initially budgeted for two new units but successfully added six, four of which were recent additions. This increase in units will utilize some of the carryover funds, as these additions were not included in the original budget proposal.

A critical point of discussion emerged around the department's five-year plan, which highlighted a need for an additional 24 suppression units to address service gaps, particularly concerning response times. The committee members expressed concern over how many of these units have been deployed since the report's release, emphasizing the urgency of meeting community safety needs.

As the meeting concluded, the implications of the carryover funds and the need for additional fire units underscored the ongoing challenges facing Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. The committee's discussions will likely influence future budget decisions and operational strategies aimed at enhancing public safety in the region.