The Miami-Dade County budget hearing which started at 7 p.m. Thursday ended at nearly 4:30 a.m. Friday morning. In a 7-5 motion the county's proposed nearly $13 billion budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. has passed. The first draft of the budget showed a $402 million shortfall, leading to proposed cuts to community programs and even public safety. Over 200 residents spoke out, some angrily.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said on the latest plan that all gaps were closed without reducing core services or raising property taxes.
“We closed a $400 million gap without reducing core government services and without raising the property tax rate,” she said. Levine-Cava's proposed plans to increase transit fares did not pass.
Residents will have to shell out more in trash and water fees. Property tax rates will remain flat.