Miami commission adopts tentative millage, approves tentative budget at first hearing

The Miami City Commission on Sept. 13 adopted a tentative millage rate for fiscal 2025–26 and approved a tentative city budget at the commission’s first public hearing, setting a second public hearing for final action on Sept. 25.

Budget Director Marie Gowen told the commission the proposal includes a proposed general operating millage of 7.108 mills (the administration presented that figure as the proposed operating rate during the hearing) and a package of property‑saving measures, including a $2.5 million set‑aside to trim the millage by 0.0284 mills and a senior rebate program budgeted at about $2.5 million. The commission approved the tentative millage and budget on first reading; the millage vote was unanimous on first reading.

The tentative operating and capital totals presented to commission members include an operating budget described in the presentation as $1.8 billion and a capital program of roughly $2.0 billion. Gowen described the city’s general fund as about $1.2 billion of operating resources and said property tax revenue accounts for about 52.7% of the general fund. She said public safety (police and fire) accounts for the largest share of…