Hallandale Beach approves start of 3 Islands special assessment process with $1.1 million district contribution and targeted exemptions

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — The Hallandale Beach City Commission voted 4-1 to adopt a resolution initiating the process to impose a non‑ad valorem special assessment for the 3 Islands neighborhood to fund road, curb, crosswalk, landscaping, guardhouse and other traffic and safety improvements.

The action, taken after a staff presentation and more than an hour of questions and discussion, amended the draft resolution to reflect a $1,100,000 contribution from the 3 Islands Safe Neighborhood District and to incorporate voluntary exemptions for certain folios. The resolution directs staff to mail notice to affected property owners and set a public hearing on the proposed assessment for June 18. Staff said the mailer would go out by May 29.

Finance Director Giovanni Nesti told commissioners the assessment process is intended to finance a project with a not‑to‑exceed budget of approximately $4.6 million. He summarized options presented at a May 7 budget workshop that varied by the size of a district or city contribution, which folios (property parcels) would be assessed, and whether the district would pay the first year’s payment on behalf of residents.

Paul Lambert, a consultant with Lambert Advisory, cautioned commissioners about voluntary exemptions. “You need to be very, very cautious…because it’ll cost the city…