Miami-Dade County Commission First Budget Hearing - September 3, 2026

The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners held its first budget hearing for Fiscal Year 2026-27 on September 3, 2026, beginning at 9:45 AM. The meeting included presentations from the Mayor, constitutional officers, public testimony, and board debate on the proposed $14.3 billion budget, millage rates, and various policy amendments. The hearing lasted until the early morning of September 4, with several votes taken on millage rates, budget items, and motions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Over 100 speakers registered. Many advocated for restoring early morning bus service cuts (47 routes, 12.4 million needed), fully funding the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) program at $20 million, approving the 6% water and sewer rate increase, and maintaining funding for community-based organizations (CBOs). Speakers also expressed concerns about illegal dumping, library hours, and transit cuts.
• Representatives from the Sheriff's Office, Tax Collector, Clerk of Courts, and Chief Judge presented their budget requests. Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz reported a 26% drop in homicides since January 2025 and requested $46.1 million in discretionary funding, including 200 new positions. The Tax Collector announced waiving $30 million in commissions. The Clerk requested relief from a $2.664 million reduction.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Remarks: Mayor Daniella Levine Cava emphasized fiscal stewardship, noting that the proposed millage rates are the lowest since 1982, with no increase. She highlighted a 6% increase for public safety departments versus 3% for others, and the WISE 305 initiative that saved $121 million. She warned of future challenges, including potential Amendment 3 property tax cuts.
• Commissioner Debate: Commissioners discussed budget priorities, including public safety, transit, solid waste, and affordable housing. Commissioner Raquel Regalado proposed several amendments, including redirecting Metro Connect funds to restore early morning bus service, auditing the Metro Mover for fare collection, and invoicing the City of Miami for FIFA event trash collection. Commissioner Kionne Hardeman raised concerns about transit cuts disproportionately affecting South Dade. Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera questioned the feasibility of some motions at the late hour.
• Key Votes: Multiple motions were introduced and voted on. The board approved a motion to study Metro Mover fare collection and report back in three months. They also approved a motion to invoice the City of Miami for FIFA-related expenses. A motion to redirect Metro Connect funds was defeated. A motion to fully fund the Sheriff's Office and identify cuts failed; a substitute motion to direct the administration to find legally available funds and develop a plan passed. The board also approved a motion to support the 6% water and sewer rate increase.

Key Outcomes

• Millage Rates Approved: The board set the ceiling for countywide general fund millage at 4.574 mills (5.63% above rollback) (9-4 vote), countywide debt service at 0.3937 mills (12-1), UMSA operating at 1.909 mills (6.16% above rollback) (10-3), Fire Rescue at 2.3965 mills (5.83% above rollback) (unanimous), and Library at 0.2812 mills (5.71% above rollback) (unanimous).
• Budget Ordinances Approved: The countywide general fund budget (Item C) and UMSA budget (Item E) were adopted as amended, with CBO funding bifurcated and approved separately (8-3). The proprietary budgets (Item H) were adopted, including the water and sewer rate increase (7-6) after a bifurcated vote.
• Motions:
  • Passed: Directing administration to study Metro Mover fare collection and report in three months.
  • Passed: Invoicing City of Miami for FIFA event trash collection.
  • Passed: Directing administration to find legally available funds and develop a plan for Sheriff's Office funding.
  • Failed: Redirecting Metro Connect funds to early morning bus service.
  • Failed: Directing administration to evaluate Metro Connect credit model.
  • Failed: Eliminating Bay Link corridor funding.
  • Failed: Directing dispute resolution with City of Hialeah on RO plant payments.
• Next Steps: The second budget hearing is scheduled for September 17, 2026, where final millage rates and budgets will be adopted.