North Miami previews roughly $244 million FY2027 budget, proposes 8.5% utility rate increase

The City of North Miami presented its preliminary fiscal year 2027 budget at a virtual workshop on July 16, outlining roughly $244,000,000 in total funds, a proposed 8.5% adjustment to utility rates, and planned staffing increases to support expanded park operations and new amenities.

The manager, who opened the workshop, said the administration’s goal is to present “a balanced budget without increasing the village rate” and said the proposed fiscal year 20 27 budget is “approximately $244,000,000.” The manager listed recent and ongoing programs the city funded in the prior year, including food distribution, home repairs using federal and state funding, and housing and workforce services.

Anastasia Reyes Nacena, the city’s chief financial officer, gave a timeline and a revenue-and-expenditure overview. She said the general fund revenues and expenses for FY2027 are “about a $108,000,000” and described the overall city funds that make up the roughly $244,000,000 total. Reyes Nacena said budget development steps include department budget meetings, a town hall in June, and public hearings in September, including a first public hearing the staff scheduled for September 4.

Manager and finance staff identified several capital priorities in the draft: the Northeast 131st Street pedestrian bridge, the completed Northeast 131st Street drainage project and other drainage improvements, Arch Creek Preserve work, repairs at City Hall, playground replacement, Sugarman Tennis Center upgrades, installation of park security cameras, Galvin Center repairs, and water- and sewer-related infrastructure projects. The manager said the budget includes implementation of the city’s stormwater master plan and investments in pump stations and other utility infrastructure.

On utilities and rates, the manager said the proposed budget “includes the water rate adjustments needed to maintain our utility infrastructure” and that “there will be an 8.5% utility rate adjustment to support the financial sustainability of utility operations.” The draft also anticipates a wholesale water cost increase outside the city’s control; staff noted the 8.5% figure is part of the administration’s current planning assumptions.

Staffing changes described in the draft include additions for public safety, parks, building, and public works. The manager said the city expects 22 additional part-time positions and 14 additional full-time positions, including part-time lifeguard positions for the academy pool and recreation aides for the Galvin Center to support increased operating hours.

Council members thanked staff for the presentation, said this was the first time some members were reviewing the draft, and asked for follow-up meetings and further details on cost and timing. The manager and CFO said they will meet individually with council members in the coming weeks and return a recommended budget for the public hearings in September.

A note on names in the record: during the meeting the manager referred to the chief financial officer as Angela Freya Santana when handing off the presentation; the presenter identified herself on the record as “Anastasia Reyes Nacena, and I’m the chief financial officer.” The article reports both names as they appear in the transcript and on-record statements.

The city’s next formal steps are the recommended-budget public hearing(s) in September, with staff returning a recommended budget and the council scheduling a final public hearing later in the month.