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Miami Gardens officials press state to end 25% North Miami Beach water surcharge
Summary
Commissioner Oliver Gilbert and council members urged resident participation as a House‑passed bill challenging the North Miami Beach surcharge heads to a Senate committee; residents were asked to attend and testify if hearings occur.
Commissioner Oliver Gilbert told the City Council on April 9 that Miami Gardens residents pay a longstanding surcharge of 25% on water provided by North Miami Beach, despite the treatment plant’s proximity to Miami Gardens. Gilbert called the surcharge “unfair” and said the city is pressing the state legislature to address it.
“People in Miami Gardens get charged 25% more for water provided by North Miami Beach, even though the plant is right here in Miami Gardens,” Commissioner Oliver Gilbert said. He said the charge was increased from 10% to 25% around 2002–2003 and that revenues were used for North Miami Beach’s general fund rather than for water service improvements.
Gilbert said State Representative Felicia Robinson led an effort in the Florida House and that the measure has passed the House and was awaiting a Senate committee hearing. “We have one more committee in the Senate,” he said, asking council members and residents to attend hearings and to “put a face to this” for legislators.
Council members and staff endorsed outreach to Tallahassee. Several residents and speakers at the meeting urged Miami Gardens people to travel to the Capitol if the Senate committee takes the bill; Vice Mayor Stevens and other council members said they would continue to support the legislative push.
No vote was taken at the April 9 meeting; the item was presented as a status update and an appeal for resident participation if and when hearings are scheduled.
