Miami Lakes adopts FY2025–26 budget, sets millage at 2.1577 after months of cuts and debate

Mayor Jorge Diaz and the Miami Lakes Town Council passed the fiscal 2025–26 budget and adopted a millage rate of 2.1577 at their second public hearing on the evening of Sept. 16.

The council’s final package, approved after extensive public comment and multiple amendments, projects $10,745,259 in ad valorem revenue (budgeted at a 95% collection rate) and includes a mix of recurring and one-time adjustments. The manager reported an available one-time surplus of about $86,000 in the town-hall bond debt fund; council voted to transfer that amount into the general fund for allocation.

Council members spent the hearing debating dozens of line items. Major outcomes include: formal direction for staff and the town attorney to review contracts that currently obligate the town to pay for volunteer-coach background checks and to pursue contract language changes; a motion to carry forward remaining committee funds to allow the Public Safety Committee to pay vendor deposits for an upcoming car show; adoption of a 3% cost-of-living…