The Miami Lakes Town Council voted 5-2 to adopt a tentative millage cap tied to the higher proposed rate of 2.6372 during a special-call meeting that began at 6:30 p.m. The vote sets the maximum property-tax rate the council may approve later; the council may set a lower final rate at subsequent budget hearings.

The action matters because Florida Statute 200.065 requires a local governing body to set a tentative millage before holding public hearings on the final millage and budget. The town attorney told the council that “what you're doing tonight is pursuant to Florida statute section 200.065,” and that the tentative rate establishes the ceiling, not the final levy.

Council debate focused on whether to set a high cap to preserve options or to hold the line at a lower, “flat” rate. Vice Mayor Bridal Moreira moved the item and Council Member Herzberg seconded; the motion passed on roll call with yes votes from Council Member Herzberg, Council Member Sanchez, Council Member Fernandez, Vice Mayor Bridal Moreira and Mayor Dieguez, and no votes from Council Member Garcia and Council Member Guadalupe Garcia.

Several members urged deeper line-by-line review before finalizing the budget. Council Member Herzberg said staff and council had met and that he preferred a cap supported by specific calculations rather than an “arbitrary number.” Council Member Sanchez and other members said they would prefer keeping the millage flat at 2.0732 if possible; Sanchez argued that the higher cap represents a 35.9% increase and amounted to roughly $2.8 million in additional potential revenue.

Council members and staff identified factors driving the budget gap: an increase in the town’s police-services contract (described during the meeting as about a $1 million rise), a pending settlement payment for Michael Pizzi totaling roughly $500,000, and carry-forward funds from the prior year of about $1.6 million. Several speakers said core services—police overtime and parks—should remain fully funded while other line items are examined for cuts.

The town manager told council members there is one joint public workshop set for Aug. 27 and that staff can arrange individual briefings; council members discussed adding a second workshop the week of Sept. 2 to continue one-on-one and group budget reviews. The manager and clerk will coordinate scheduling and public-notice requirements for the required hearings.

Votes at a glance

• Item: 7a — Tentative millage rate, rollback rate, and dates for budget hearings (moved by Vice Mayor Bridal Moreira; seconded by Council Member Herzberg). Outcome: Passed. Roll call: Herzberg — Yes; Garcia — No; Sanchez — Yes; Fernandez — Yes; Guadalupe Garcia — No; Vice Mayor Bridal Moreira — Yes; Mayor Dieguez — Yes.

The council adjourned at 6:51 p.m. Further budget workshops and the statutorily required public hearings will determine the final millage rate and the town’s adopted fiscal-year budget.