Committee hears parks briefing: state revenue cuts delayed projects and led to staff reductions

Miami‑Dade County officials told the Recreation and Tourism Committee on Nov. 10 that recent state changes to non‑ad valorem revenue have reduced funds available for parks capital projects and contributed to staff reductions.

A county budget official identified in the discussion as Mr. Coley reviewed how parks capital projects are financed (general obligation bonds, countywide infrastructure improvement plan (CIIP) and other future financing) and said the county’s statutory restriction to use only non‑ad valorem revenues for certain debt means changes at the state level have direct budgetary effects. He told the committee that House Bill 7031 (as cited in the briefing) reduced a non‑ad valorem revenue stream (a figure of $26,200,000 was cited in committee remarks) and that, across categories, the county identified $64,900,000 in reduced non‑ad valorem revenue; he said that, as a result, $73,000,000 was removed from the CIIP and projects must be delayed.

Parks Director Christina White reported that the department eliminated 49 full‑time positions and currently operates with 1,571 full‑time employees. She said the cuts were focused on administrative and management positions, including communications staff and some recreation center management roles; she reported 46 of the 49 employees were placed in other county roles and that the department is assisting the remaining staff to find interim part‑time work. Director White also said lifeguard staffing was preserved for peak operations but confirmed that three security guard positions were reduced and some sites shifted to roving security and park ranger coverage.

Commissioners pressed staff for specifics and requested data: a five‑year SIP accounting (2020 to present), lists of projects funded and unfunded by commission district, current FY25‑26 SIP amounts funded and not funded, reapportionment notes where applicable, and five‑year SIP projections. Chairman Garcia asked staff to meet with the mayor’s office and return the requested analysis; the committee set a near‑term expectation for the information to accompany follow‑up briefings.

Members said the cuts have community impacts, citing Amelia Earhart Park and concerns about underfunded parks across multiple districts. Chairman Garcia also announced a Ripley’s Believe It or Not ‘Christmas Park’ event at Amelia Earhart Park starting Thursday and continuing into early January.

The committee did not adopt a policy measure on the floor; it requested additional documentation and follow‑up from budget and parks staff.