Miami Lakes council budget workshop draws wide public pushback over proposed millage and utility fee increase

Miami Lakes — Dozens of residents packed Council Chambers and dozens more spoke online at the Town of Miami Lakes’ second budget workshop on Sept. 3, pressing council members to roll back a proposed preliminary millage and to reject a proposed jump in the town’s Florida Power & Light (FPL) franchise fee.

The council did not vote at the workshop; Mayor Dieges repeatedly told speakers the session was for review and instruction to staff. “Under state law, we are required to set an initial millage that will then go out in your TRIM notice so you can plan ahead,” Mayor Dieges said during the meeting, explaining why an earlier, higher preliminary rate was published and how council can reduce it before final adoption.

Residents urged the council to pare the proposed budget rather than raise taxes. “The town’s budgeted revenues have consistently underestimated actual revenues throughout the years,” resident Albert Aguilar told the council; “Against that record, there is no justification for approving a tax increase of this size,” he said. Several speakers also said the town did not publish supporting budget materials far enough in advance for meaningful public review. “Florida statue 1 25 25 sets the rules that 7 day notice is required,” resident Esperanza Reynolds told the council, urging earlier publication of agenda backup.

Other residents described specific household impacts and calculations they had made of the tax and utility…