The Miami-Dade County Charter Review Task Force convened on September 17, 2025, to discuss potential changes to the county's charter, with a significant focus on the salaries of constitutional officers. The meeting began with a consensus on the ballot title and summaries for upcoming proposals, followed by a review of research materials comparing Miami-Dade's governance structure with those of other counties.
A key topic of discussion was the current salary structure for county commissioners. Task Force members expressed interest in exploring how other jurisdictions, such as Arizona and San Antonio, successfully passed measures to increase salaries for their elected officials. Commissioner Moss highlighted the importance of understanding the strategies used in these cases, suggesting that similar issues raised in Miami-Dade could help garner public support for salary increases.
The conversation shifted towards the appropriateness of including specific salary figures in the charter. Some members argued for a more flexible approach, proposing that salaries be determined by a formula rather than fixed amounts. This suggestion aimed to provide a clearer understanding for voters while allowing for adjustments over time. The county attorney noted that past ballot measures required clear numerical disclosures, but there was openness to researching whether legal standards had evolved since those measures were drafted.
The Task Force agreed to conduct further research on successful salary measures in other cities and to explore the legal implications of changing how salaries are set in the charter. The next steps will involve gathering more data and preparing for continued discussions on this critical issue, which could significantly impact the governance of Miami-Dade County.