Miami Beach to Review Ninth Budget Amendment for Fiscal 2025

The Miami Beach City Commission is set to consider the ninth amendment to its fiscal year 2025 budget during a public hearing on Nov. 20, addressing a projected $28 million General Fund surplus and necessary adjustments across multiple city departments.

City Manager Eric Carpenter's administration recommends allocating the surplus strategically: $10 million will carry forward to fiscal 2026 for ongoing projects and procured goods, $3.5 million will bolster the city's reserve fund to meet the required 25% threshold, and $1.2 million from golf course operations will fund the Miami Beach Golf Course Renovation Project. The remaining $13.4 million would be set aside for future commitments, including pending legislative items with fiscal impacts that were delayed due to October's cancelled commission meeting.

The amendment proposes significant budget increases for public safety departments due to collective bargaining agreements approved during the fiscal year. The Police Department requires an additional $5.2 million (3.4% increase), primarily for personnel costs and sustained high-visibility patrols following October 2023 security concerns. The Fire Department needs an extra $1.8 million (1.5% increase) for similar personnel-related expenses.

Other notable adjustments include the Convention Center Fund exceeding its budget by $7.5 million due to hosting 143 events versus the anticipated 71, though increased revenues will generate a $4.1 million surplus. The Resort Tax Fund projects a $1.2 million surplus that will carry forward to fiscal 2026. Florida law requires budget amendments within 60 days of the fiscal year's end, making this action legally mandatory for compliance.