City of Miami Gardens Special First Budget Meeting September 8th, 2026

The City of Miami Gardens held a special city council meeting on September 8, 2026, focused on the first public hearing for the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and millage rate adoption. The council discussed the proposed operating millage rate of 6.9363 mills, which remains unchanged from previous years, and the voted debt service millage rate of 0.4137 mills. Key budget considerations included potential impacts from pending state legislation on property tax reform (Amendment 3) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bill effective January 1, 2027, which restricts local government spending on DEI programs. The city manager and deputy city manager presented detailed financial data, highlighting a projected $128 million budget, personnel costs including a new police contract, and anticipated increases in health insurance and property insurance premiums. Infrastructure projects, particularly roadway, drainage, and seawall improvements funded outside the general fund through transportation and stormwater funds and grants, were discussed with an emphasis on accelerating some projects despite fiscal uncertainties. The council also reviewed community development funding allocations, including federal grants for housing rehabilitation and rental assistance, and considered potential reallocations to better serve residents in need. The meeting included public comments and concluded with unanimous council votes to adopt the proposed millage rate and budget ordinance, with a final public hearing scheduled for September 23, 2026.