Homestead council directs staff to start GO bond process, aims for Nov. 4, 2025 referendum

The City Council of the City of Homestead unanimously directed city staff to begin the process of issuing a general obligation bond to finance parks and infrastructure and requested the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections hold a special election on Nov. 4, 2025 to seek voter approval.

Why this matters: A successful bond would raise voter-approved debt to fund capital improvements; council and staff described the effort as a foundational step to finance major park and roadway work the city plans to pursue.

City Manager presentation and next steps: The manager told council the directive authorizes staff to identify bond counsel, disclosure counsel, a financial adviser and possible underwriter, and to prepare referendum materials. The manager said the city has in-house legal capacity to guide the process and that PFM, the city's financial adviser, is under contract and ready to assist. Staff set a timeline targeting materials in time for a summer legal deadline so the referendum can appear on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot.

Council reaction: Councilmembers described the measure as too important to rush; a motion to direct staff was moved by Councilwoman O'Malley and seconded by Councilwoman Cannonball and passed by unanimous roll call vote.

What is not decided: The motion only directs staff to initiate the process. Specific bond amounts, project lists, referendum language and financing costs were not determined at this meeting and will return to council for approval before any issuance or placement on the ballot.

Ending: Staff will return with details on timeline, counsel selection and proposed bond amounts and language before a final decision and ballot placement.