First Budget Hearing

The City of Coral Gables held its first budget hearing on September 15, 2026, to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. The meeting focused extensively on the city's revenue estimates, expenditure plans, and capital improvement projects, including state appropriations for environmental remediation, sanitary sewer rehabilitation, and waterway dredging. The budget maintains the millage rate at 5.559 and includes a balanced approach to funding city services, infrastructure, and pension obligations. The commission discussed the importance of maintaining strong reserves, the city's AAA bond rating, and the impact of pension payments on future budgets. Public comments highlighted support for ongoing maintenance of community assets like The Underline and concerns about stormwater management funding. The commission ultimately voted to adopt the budget ordinance as presented, with one commissioner dissenting due to concerns over pension extra payments.