Miami Lakes advisory panel reallocates $7,500 to boost outreach while retaining travel funds

The Miami Lakes Volunteer Advisory Panel amended its upcoming budget to shift more money toward outreach and promotional materials while retaining funds for travel and emergency expenses.

Panel members voted to set the 2025—ndash;26 allocation at $6,000 for travel and expenses and $1,500 for marketing and promotion, keeping the panels total annual cap at $7,500. A motion proposing the allocation was moved and seconded and carried after members indicated their approval by voice.

Members said the adjusted mix of funds will let the panel finance printed collateral, anonymous photo/video collection, small promotional items and targeted event appearances (for example the July 4 town event and a July 9 Chamber luncheon). Panel staff clarified that the towns financial rules allow shifting funds between the two approved line items but transfers above $700 require council approval.

Panel members recalled previous allocations that split the bucket differently (historically $7,000 travel and $500 marketing). At the meeting members discussed reserving travel funds in case an urgent trip or additional technical briefings become necessary, and they signaled an intent not to exhaust travel funds given uncertainty about litigation-related meetings.

The panel also approved a small, separate allocation of $250 to support a Fourth of July table and printed flyers; Miguel Martinez and another member volunteered to staff the event. Committee staff will circulate a proposed marketing plan and expected line-item expenses to the panel before submission to the town finance office.

The budget reallocation passed without a recorded roll-call tally of individual names in the meeting transcript; members indicated approval by voice.