Coral Gables Environment, Politics and Government
September 29, 2010 1 Comment
During the 2nd Budget Hearing, the Mayor defended the City of Coral Gables as an open and accessible government . He also indicated the importance of maintaining a high level of civility and tolerance of others. These are serious standards of political dialogue and conversation in our community that are best adopted by us all.
September 28, 2010 Leave a comment
This millage rate is higher than last year’s rate. The vote was 3-2 with Kerdyk and Cabrera “no”.
Many people will pay more than last year with this higher millage rate. This is less than the so-called roll back rate of 6.17 that the majority of the commission wanted to approve. (The roll back rate gives the city the same revenue as last year–this assumes that last year’s revenue was the “right” amount: it was way too high for some.)
September 28, 2010 1 Comment
I have followed the discussion with great interest as a neighbor of UM.
Due to the size and complexity of the plan it is really hard to know what the process will look like over 20 years. But, clearly, we are getting the equivalent of an quasi-active commercial district along Ponce de Leon in front of the UM. Also, UM will be constructing a health facility–a “health facility” about the size of Doctors Hospital.
This plan gives UM a lot of latitude to organize its future without negotiating every detail with the City of Coral Gables. The agreement allows for the city manager to approve a lot of changes in the future, and it is hoped that we will always have a good city manager and strong boards. The city will get $1 million per year, which recognizes that the city does have costs by having UM here.
All in all, this is a good agreement.
September 27, 2010 Leave a comment
Could you tell the citizens of Coral Gables what is the plan for 1) streamlining government, 2) cutting the number of staff, salaries and pensions and 3) suspending the constant increases in property taxes.
Why does city government have to act secretly like it were the CIA, the Department of Homeland Security or the FBI?
Are there state secrets that you are keeping from us?
Or do you plan to keep increasing property taxes year after year for the foreseeable future. Many believe this is the case.
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