First Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2027

The City of Hialeah held its first budget hearing for fiscal year 2027 on September 8, 2026. The meeting focused extensively on the proposed operating and capital budgets, including detailed presentations on revenue estimates, millage rates, and major capital projects. The city plans to maintain the current millage rate of 6.3018 mills, the lowest in 46 years, with a projected property tax revenue of approximately $140.8 million after accounting for collection rates. The budget includes a 1.4% increase over the previous year, with a total budget of about $514 million and a 4% net increase in operating expenses. Significant discussions addressed the potential impact of Amendment 3, which could reduce city revenues by $15 to $28 million in coming years due to expanded homestead exemptions and caps on non-homesteaded property assessments. Key capital projects include a $8 million renovation and museum development at the JFK Library funded by impact fees, continued investment in police and fire department equipment and facilities, and a $4.5 million allocation for a digital water meter replacement program. The council debated the timing of budget document distribution and scheduled a workshop for September 14 to allow deeper review before the second public hearing on September 22. All budget ordinances and resolutions were approved on first reading, with most council members voting in favor except for a few dissenting votes citing the need for more review time. The meeting emphasized transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the need to adapt to changing revenue forecasts.