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Southwest Ranches pledges up to $30,000 for Miramar’s anti‑incinerator advocacy
Summary
After a presentation by Miramar’s mayor on regional incinerator proposals, the Town of Southwest Ranches approved a one‑time contribution of up to $30,000 to fund Miramar’s legislative advocacy and non‑legal outreach against proposed waste‑to‑energy facilities; council required the funds be limited to lobbying/advocacy activities, not litigation.
The Town of Southwest Ranches on Jan. 28 agreed to contribute up to $30,000 to the City of Miramar to support Miramar’s advocacy — separate from litigation — opposing proposed large waste‑to‑energy/incinerator projects.
Mayor Messam of Miramar briefed the council on Miramar’s multi‑pronged campaign: public outreach, technical and scientific studies, and legislative initiatives aimed at preventing placement of an incinerator near Everglades restoration projects and other sensitive areas. The mayor said Miramar has spent about $600,000 to date on consultants, legal fees and advocacy and described a draft state bill that would prohibit incinerators within a two‑mile radius of Everglades restoration projects.
Council members pressed for clarity on legal exposure and how town funds would be used. Miramar representatives said the town’s contribution could be conditioned to pay for non‑legal, legislative and advocacy work (lobbying in Tallahassee, technical studies and public outreach) and that Miramar would provide invoices and accountability. Miramar’s environmental counsel said municipal support for advocacy posed limited legal jeopardy and that funds could be directed to specific prongs of the effort.
A council motion approved a one‑time commitment not to exceed $30,000 for legislative advocacy (explicitly excluding legal fees). The motion was seconded; after limited public comment, the council voted by roll‑call to approve the contribution. Miramar confirmed it can accept a restricted contribution and report back on expenditures.
What’s next: Town administration and Miramar will document the use of funds with receipts and invoices as requested by the council. The county and Miami‑Dade Commission have upcoming dates (a community workshop and a later vote) where Miramar and partners will continue their advocacy.
