HomeMy Public PortalAbout09 - September 27,2023 SBHCITY OF OPA-LOCKA
"The City of Bright Opportunities"
CLERK'S ACTION SUMMARY MINUTES
SECOND BUDGET HEARING
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
6:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:22 pm on Wednesday, September 27, 2023,
at the City of Opa-locka Municipal Complex, 780 Fisherman Street, Opa-locka, Florida.
2. ROLL CALL:
The following members of the City Commission were present: Commissioner Sherelean
Bass; Vice Mayor Natasha L. Ervin (arrived late); Commissioner Joseph L. Kelley,
Commissioner Veronica Williams; and Mayor John H. Taylor, Jr. Also in attendance were:
Interim City Manager Darvin Williams, City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks, and City
Clerk Joanna Flores.
3. INVOCATION:
The invocation was delivered by Mayor Taylor.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
The pledge of allegiance was recited in unison.
5. SECOND READING ORDINANCES / PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
OPA LOCKA, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL MILLAGE RATE
PURSUANT TO SECTION 200.065, FLORIDA STATUTES, FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024, COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2023
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2024; SETTING FORTH PUBLIC
HEARING DATES; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF
REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL PRIOR
ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (first reading / public hearing
held on September 13, 2023). Sponsored by Interim City Manager
Second Budget Hearing Minutes — September 27, 2023 1
The above Ordinance was read by City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks.
Mayor Taylor asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce the item.
It was moved by Commissioner Williams, seconded by Commissioner Bass, to
discuss Agenda Item 5-1.
Interim City Manager Williams stated there is no increase in the millage rate and
Budget Administrator Bob Anathan is available for questions.
Mayor Taylor opened the Public Hearing.
Vice Mayor Ervin arrived at 6:25 PM.
Christina Banks, 2470 NW 140th Street, said they issued flyers to every household
because they heard that taxes were going to be raised. She said there is a lot going
on in the community and the City Commission should not consider raising taxes.
She asked them to consider their future children and elderly community members.
She said they need to check themselves and try to do the right thing for their
community.
Audrey Dominguez, 1147 Jann Avenue, said Opa-locka has the second highest
County millage rate. She said the September 13 City Commission agenda was full
and the first reading of this item was added at the end by the Interim City Manager.
She said no one spoke from the public. She read Section 200.065 from the Florida
Statute. She explained the first and second budget hearings should have been help
separate and not included with any other agenda items. Ms. Dominguez suggested
the Interim City Manager did not follow the statute.
Mayor Taylor closed the Public Hearing.
Budget Administrator Bob Anathan read the required introduction. He said the
rollback rate is 8.5476 mills and the proposed tentative millage is 9.3500 mills,
which is a 9.39% increase of the rollback rate. He summarized how the additional
property tax revenue will be used.
Commissioner Kelley asked about the slight tax increase. Interim City Manager
Williams confirmed it is the 9.39% increase. He explained the relationship between
the millage rate and the rollback rate. He noted a tax increase is actually an increase
in property values.
Commissioner Kelley noted that additional costs increase as well, including home
insurance. He acknowledged the citizen's concerns.
Second Budget Hearing Minutes — September 27, 2023 2
Interim City Manager Williams said the City is in a better shape financially than it
has been in two decades. He further explained there is plan, to continue to offer
recommendations to lower the millage rate. He described the annexation plan they
are currently working on.
Commissioner Kelley said the residents need to feed families and pay bills now. He
said there are immediate concerns now that need to be addressed. He asked the
residents to hold them accountable.
Commissioner Williams said she received more calls this week than normal. She
noted the City Commission are also residents. She noted an increase is an increase.
She asked Mr. Anathan about his use of the word "requirement." Mr. Anathan
clarified the contents is not the requirement, rather, the information he read at the
beginning.
Commissioner Williams asked about the timeline for using additional tax revenue.
Interim City Manager Williams said they are directed by the City Commission. He
noted that residents will see the action being taken place with additional property
tax revenue, including addressing flooding, updating buildings, beautification
services, and transportation services.
Commissioner Williams noted everyone is affected by increases. She asked if the
projects would continue if property taxes do not increase. Interim City Manager
Williams said they would adjust projects as needed with less funding. He stated
they are always looking for ways to save residents money.
Commissioner Williams recommended they actively work on a decrease for next
year. Interim City Manager Williams said they are prepared to take steps to lower
the millage rate. He reminded residents they have rental and mortgage assistance
programs.
Vice Mayor Ervin asked what will happen to the projects if they do not pass the
budget tonight. Interim City Manager Williams responded that some would happen.
Vice Mayor Ervin asked how they will prioritize the budget if they not pass it.
Commissioner Kelley referenced the last page about State review. He said any
change would require a resubmission that could take up to several weeks.
Commissioner Kelley said the residents deserve to see some community
improvements with their tax dollars.
Commissioner Bass reiterated the majority of the City Commission are also
homeowners. They are trying to serve all families. She said she considers residents
in all her decisions.
Second Budget Hearing Minutes — September 27, 2023 3
There being no additional discussion, the motion to approve the ordinance passed by a
4-1 vote.
Vice Mayor Ervin Yes
Commissioner Kelley Yes
Commissioner Williams Yes
Commissioner Bass Yes
Mayor Taylor No
2. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
OPA-LOCKA, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY'S
GENERAL, PROPRIETARY AND SPECIAL FUNDS BUDGET FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024, COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2023
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2024; PROVIDING FOR THE
EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS ESTABLISHED BY THE BUDGET;
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN
ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR APPROPRIATION OF ALL BUDGET
EXPENDITURES; PROVIDING FOR FEES CONSISTENT WITH
APPROPRIATION AND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR
ADOPTION OF REPRESENTATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT
AND REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE (first reading / public hearing held on
September 13, 2023). Sponsored by Interim City Manager
The above ordinance was read by City Attorney Burnadette Norris -Weeks.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Ervin, seconded by Commissioner Bass, to discuss
Agenda Item 5-2.
Mayor Taylor asked Interim City Manager Williams to introduce the item.
Interim City Manager Williams stated this is the second reading for the General
Fund and Budget Administrator Bob Anathan is available for questions.
Mayor Taylor opened the Public Hearing.
Andrea Mobley, 2511 NW 11th Street, asked when the citizens can see the budget.
She said she has yet to see the budget.
Mayor Taylor closed the Public Hearing.
Interim City Manager Williams noted this is the fourth time they have reviewed the
budget, and it has been available online. He explained the budget process. He said
Second Budget Hearing Minutes — September 27, 2023 4
his office would take Ms. Mobley's contact information and advise her on future
budget workshops.
Mr. Anathan summarized the changes in the budget from the one submitted to the
State in July, including the line items the State did not approve. He said the total
difference for the items not approved is $38,000. He noted the State would also like
to see improvements in the control of City litigation and will be addressed
separately. He said the recommendation is to adopt the State -approved budget and
address concerns in Budget Amendment 1.
Commissioner Kelley stated he requested several explanations during his briefing
and did not receive information. He summarized his concerns and said he expects
answers. He also raised concerns within the budget about a PR Coordinator for the
City Manager's Office. He noted Mr. Anathan and the Interim City Manager
Williams did not attend the briefing. He is still interested in receiving the answers
to his questions.
Interim City Manager Williams said they always endeavor to provide information
to the City Commission as quickly as possible. He noted Commissioner Kelley's
briefing was held yesterday and his staff were not able to provide answers in the
short turnaround.
Commissioner Kelley stated his questions were not earth -shattering, but he did not
hear any commentary about his concerns during Mr. Anathan's presentation. He
said he needs to vote on the budget tonight without those answers.
Commissioner Williams said they have discussed the budget a number of times and
she continues to see the statement from the State about lack of details. She noted
everything that was reduced was Commission -related. She suggested lack of details
looks a little strange under simple, small items that the City Commission requested.
She asked why they have lack of details.
Interim City Manager Williams clarified the State reduced items in his budget as
well. He said they worked with the City Clerk's Office to submit additional details
to the State. Commissioner Williams requested a copy of the list of details sent to
the State.
Commissioner Williams said the PR firm does not work for the City Commission.
She asked if the PR Coordinator will work for the City Manager or the City
Commission.
Interim City Manager Williams asked Mr. Anathan to provide him a copy of all
correspondence with the State regarding specificity of details. He clarified the City
Commission previously had the PR Coordinator position, which was eliminated
due to budget constraints and is now being brought back. He said it was always a
City position hired to serve and support the City Commission.
Second Budget Hearing Minutes — September 27, 2023 5
There being no additional discussion, the motion to approve the ordinance passed by a
3-2 vote.
Commissioner Kelley No
Commissioner Williams No
Commissioner Bass Yes
Vice Mayor Ervin Yes
Mayor Taylor Yes
6. ADJOURNMENT:
It was moved by Commissioner Bass, seconded by Vice Mayor Ervin, to adjourn the meeting.
There being no further business to come before the City Commission, meeting was adjourned
at 7:11 p.m.
A ATEST:
Joa na Flores, CMC
City Clerk
John H. T
Mayor
or, Jr.
Second Budget Hearing Minutes — September 27, 2023 6