Charter review board backs $1,000 monthly pay and restores health insurance for Opa‑locka elected officials

The City of Opa‑locka Charter Review Board voted unanimously on March 5, 2026, to recommend increasing monthly compensation for elected officials to $1,000 and to restore health insurance as part of the compensation package, with spouse and family coverage optionally subsidized by reducing the stipend.

The recommendation clarified an earlier board option that would have subtracted insurance costs from the proposed $1,000 stipend. Board members, supported by the clerk’s explanation of prior practice, said the new recommendation provides a flat $1,000 monthly compensation and an insurance benefit for the elected official for employee‑only coverage; officials who want spouse or family coverage would have the additional cost deducted from their stipend.

Members discussed that health insurance had been provided to elected officials in the past but was removed after state/charter constraints made the combined compensation exceed permitted levels. The clerk said she will provide the board with current insurance rate tiers (employee only, spouse, family) so the City Commission can evaluate the fiscal effect.

The board approved the recommendation by roll call (Bria, Dennis, Vice Chair Williams and Chair Allen voted yes, 4–0). The clerk will prepare a fiscal memo and the board’s recommendation for submission to the City Commission. Any change to compensation and benefits must be reviewed by the Commission and implemented consistent with charter and state limits.