What’s Next After the 2010-2011 Budget Approval

September 29, 2010 Leave a comment

After the approval of the 2010-2011 City of Coral Gables Budget, we might ask what are major tasks the city manager and the city commissioners should undertake to avoid continuing property tax increases.

I would think the city needs the following:

  • Make further cuts in pensions, health benefits and salaries of all employees during the next year, especially for firefighters and police;
  • Reduce the number of firefighters and police, if they do not accept substantial salary and benefit reductions;
  • In light of the city manager’s recent comments about working for the future, the city should develop, discuss and publish a long-term financial plan, approved by the Commission and discussed by taxpayers in an open forum;
  • Continue evaluating senior and middle management and a process of “rightsizing” city government;  and
  • Delay major capital projects for three to five years, depending on the recuperation of the local economy.

What else do you suggest.

Filed under Finance, Government, Organization, Taxes and Fees

Mayor’s Comments on Openness and Civility

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.

Filed under Coral Gables, Politics

6.07 millage rate approved

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.)

Filed under Coral Gables

UM–City of Coral Gables Development Agreement

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.

Filed under Community, Coral Gables, Government

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