POLISCOPE

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PALMETTOBAY (MIAMI-DADE COUNTY) · LOCALHeld · official record pendingPartial coverage

Second Budget Hearing

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · Government meeting record

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The Village of Palmetto Bay will hold its Second Budget Hearing on September 23, 2026, to consider adopting a millage rate of 2.3890 and the municipal budget for the fiscal year running from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The proposed millage rate is 9.98% higher than the rollback rate of 2.1722. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the first budget hearing and public comment periods.

Why it matters

Property owners in Palmetto Bay face a proposed property tax millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year that sits nearly 10% above the rollback rate, alongside the final adoption of the village's operating budget for city services and expenditures.

What happens next

The scheduled meeting date has passed. Minutes or an action agenda are not published in the records we hold.

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Record text

No transcript is held for this meeting. Recording: Watch video

Agenda (non-virtual)

VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY

Mayor Karyn Cunningham

Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer

Council Member Patrick Fiore (Seat 1)

Council Member Steve Cody (Seat 2)

Council Member Marsha Matson (Seat 3)

Village Manager Nick Marano

Village Attorney John Quick

Village Clerk Missy Arocha

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accommodation, a sign language interpreter, or hearing impaired to participate in this proceeding should contact the Village Clerk at (305) 259-1234 for assistance no later than four days prior to the meeting.

AGENDA

SECOND BUDGET HEARING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 - 7:00 PM

VILLAGE HALL MUNICIPAL CENTER

9705 EAST HIBISCUS STREET, PALMETTO BAY, FL 33157

(305) 259-1234

1.

CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, AND DECORUM STATEMENT, IN THAT ORDER.

Any person making impertinent or slanderous remarks, or who becomes boisterous, while addressing the Council may be barred from further appearance before the Council by the Mayor, unless permission to continue or again address the Council is granted by a majority vote of the Council. Applauding speakers shall be discouraged. Heckling or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker, or his or her remarks, shall be prohibited. No signs or placards shall be allowed in the Council meeting. Persons exiting the Council meeting shall do so quietly. All cellular telephones and beepers are to be silenced during the meeting.

2.

REQUESTS, PETITIONS, AND PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Individuals wishing to speak on matters on the agenda and on items pertinent to the Village may do so by speaking during this section of the agenda. The Mayor will recognize those persons who wish to speak. Each speaker must sign-in prior to speaking on the designated public commentary sign-in sheet. Items for public hearing provided for within the agenda shall not be a topic of discussion during this section of the agenda. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less. Public comments made by members of the public are important to the Village Council. Speakers will address the Village Council with respect.

3.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A.

First Budget Hearing (September 14, 2026)

4.

ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING

A.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA ADOPTING THE MILLAGE RATE OF 2.3890 WHICH IS 9.98% HIGHER THAN THE ROLLBACK RATE OF 2.1722, FOR THE VILLAGE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027, PURSUANT TO SECTION 200.065, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Sponsored by Administration and prepared by Finance Director, Desmond Chin)

B.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE VILLAGE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027; PROVIDING FOR EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Sponsored by Administration and prepared by Finance Director, Desmond Chin)

5.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

6.

NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT

WE, THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, HEREBY COMMIT OURSELVES TO MAINTAINING CIVILITY IN OUR PUBLIC AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE AND PLEDGE TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES:

We will respect the right of all citizens in our community to hold different opinions;

We will avoid rhetoric intended to humiliate or question the wisdom of those whose opinions are different from ours;

Showing the first 24,000 of 329,154 characters. The full document is at the source.

Mayor Karyn Cunningham Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer Council Member Patrick Fiore (Seat 1) Council Member Steve Cody (Seat 2) Council Member Marsha Matson (Seat 3) Village Manager Nick Marano Village Attorney John Quick Village Clerk Missy Arocha 1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, AND DECORUM STATEMENT, IN THAT ORDER. Any person making impertinent or slanderous remarks, or who becomes boisterous, while addressing the Council may be barred from further appearance before the Council by the Mayor, unless permission to continue or again address the Council is granted by a majority vote of the Council. Applauding speakers shall be discouraged. Heckling or verbal outbursts in support or opposition to a speaker, or his or her remarks, shall be prohibited. No signs or placards shall be allowed in the Council meeting. Persons exiting the Council meeting shall do so quietly. All cellular telephones and beepers are to be silenced during the meeting. 2. REQUESTS, PETITIONS, AND PUBLIC COMMENTS: Individuals wishing to speak on matters on the agenda and on items pertinent to the Village may do so by speaking during this section of the agenda. The Mayor will recognize those persons who wish to speak. Each speaker must sign-in prior to speaking on the designated public commentary sign-in sheet. Items for public hearing provided for within the agenda shall not be a topic of discussion during this section of the agenda. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes or less. Public comments made by members of the public are important to the Village Council. Speakers will address the Village Council with respect. VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accommodation, a sign language interpreter, or hearing impaired to participate in this proceeding should contact the Village Clerk at (305) 259-1234 for assistance no later than four days prior to the meeting. AGENDA SECOND BUDGET HEARING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 – 7:00 PM VILLAGE HALL MUNICIPAL CENTER 9705 EAST HIBISCUS STREET, PALMETTO BAY, FL 33157 (305) 259-1234 1

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. First Budget Hearing (September 14, 2026) 4. ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA ADOPTING THE MILLAGE RATE OF 2.3890 WHICH IS 9.98% HIGHER THAN THE ROLLBACK RATE OF 2.1722, FOR THE VILLAGE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027, PURSUANT TO SECTION 200.065, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Sponsored by Administration and prepared by Finance Director, Desmond Chin) B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR THE VILLAGE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027; PROVIDING FOR EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Sponsored by Administration and prepared by Finance Director, Desmond Chin) 5. COUNCIL COMMENTS 6. NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT WE, THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, HEREBY COMMIT OURSELVES TO MAINTAINING CIVILITY IN OUR PUBLIC AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE AND PLEDGE TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES: We will respect the right of all citizens in our community to hold different opinions; We will avoid rhetoric intended to humiliate or question the wisdom of those whose opinions are different from ours; We will strive to understand differing perspectives; We will choose our words carefully; We will speak truthfully without accusation and we will avoid distortion; We will speak out against violence, prejudice, and incivility in all of their forms, whenever and wherever they occur. NOTICE OF APPEAL RIGHTS Pursuant to Florida Statutes 286.0105, the Village hereby advises the public that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Council with response to any matter considered at its meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that for such 2

purpose, the affected person may need to ensure that verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. This notice does not constitute consent by the Village for the introduction or admission of otherwise inadmissible or irrelevant evidence, nor does it authorize challenges or appeals not otherwise allowed. AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 This meeting is open to the public. In accordance with the American Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accommodation or a sign language interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the Village Clerk at (305) 259-1234 no later than four (4) days prior to the meeting. Hearing Assistance Devices are available with the Village Clerk. 3

AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.A Item Cover Page DATE: September 23, 2026 SUBMITTED BY: Missy Arocha, Village Clerk's Office ITEM TYPE: Minutes AGENDA SECTION: APPROVAL OF MINUTES SUBJECT: First Budget Hearing (September 14, 2026) SUGGESTED ACTION: SECOND BUDGET HEARING AGENDA ITEM REPORT ATTACHMENTS: 2026-09-14 First Budget-Minutes Exhibit A-Public Comments by Form 4

MINUTES First Budget Hearing – Monday, September 18, 2026 Page 1 of 7 1 2 3 4 MINUTES5 FIRST BUDGET HEARING6 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 – 7:00 PM7 VILLAGE HALL MUNICIPAL CENTER8 9705 EAST HIBISCUS STREET, PALMETTO BAY, FL 331579 10 1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, AND11 DECORUM STATEMENT, IN THAT ORDER.12 13 Mayor Karyn Cunningham called the hearing to order at 7:20 p.m.14 15 The following members of the Village Council were present during the roll call:16 Mayor Karyn Cunningham17 Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer18 Councilmember Patrick Fiore19 Councilmember Steve Cody20 Councilmember Marsha Matson21 22 The following Charter Officers were present during the roll call:23 Village Manager Nick Marano24 Village Attorney John Quick25 Village Clerk Missy Arocha26 27 Councilmember Patrick Fiore led the invocation, and the pledge of allegiance was led by28 student, AJ Florentin who was Mayor for the Day.29 30 2. REQUESTS, PETITIONS, AND PUBLIC COMMENTS: The following speakers spoke for31 a time allotment of three minutes:32 33  Vitality Falcovitch (9280 SW 167th Terrace) thanked the Village Administration and34 its policing unit team for their efforts and commitment and urged the Council to35 approve the proposed policing budget.36 37  David Singer (8360 SW 154th Terrace) questioned the Village’s litigation budget.38 39 Village Clerk Missy Arocha read the public comments submitted by form, attached as40 “Exhibit A”.41 42 3. ORDINANCES FOR FIRST READING AND PUBLIC COMMENTS:43 44 A. AN ORDINANCE OF THE AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE45 COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA ADOPTING THE46 MILLAGE RATE OF 2.3500 WHICH IS 8.19% HIGHER THAN THE ROLLBACK47 5

MINUTES First Budget Hearing – Monday, September 18, 2026 Page 2 of 7 RATE OF 2.1722, FOR THE VILLAGE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING1 OCTOBER 1, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027, PURSUANT TO SECTION2 200.065, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE; PROVIDING FOR3 CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN4 EFFECTIVE DATE. (Sponsored by Administration and prepared by Finance5 Director, Desmond Chin)6 7 Item 3A was moved by Councilmember Steve Cody and seconded by Vice Mayor8 Mark Merwitzer.9 10 The following speakers spoke for a time allotment of three minutes during public11 comment:12 13  Peter England (representative of the Deering Estate Foundation) - voiced14 enthusiasm for the Village’s prospects and supported conducting a feasibility15 study focused on the Deering Estate area. He emphasized the importance of16 recognizing and developing the Village’s unique assets, noting that many17 people are unaware the Deering Estate is within the Village and urged the18 Village to promote it.19 20  Joseph Miorelli (8481 SW 142nd Court) - raised concerns about increases in21 property values and the proposed budget, stating that the combination of a22 12% increase in assessed value and a 16.9% increase in the proposed23 budget could result in a significant increase in taxes. He urged the Council to24 maintain a budget-neutral approach and not make additional changes.25 26  Linda Robinson (15605 SW 77th Court) - requested that the Village budget27 funds to install electricity in the fourth quadrant of Coral Reef Park to support28 improvements to the meditation garden and allow the irrigation system to29 operate. She stated that completing existing park improvements, including30 drainage and fencing, should be prioritized before pursuing new projects in31 the new budget.32 33  David Singer (8360 SW 154th Terrace) - referenced amendment 3, which34 would increase the homestead exemption, and expressed concern about the35 Village increasing the millage and budget. He urged the Council to reduce36 expenses, review departmental spending from the ground up, and prioritize37 expenditures that directly benefit Village residents. He also raised concerns38 about the Village potentially operating at a deficit in future years.39 40 VILLAGE MANAGER’S PRESENTATION41 Village Manager Nick Marano presented an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year42 2026–2027 millage rate, including the following:43 44  Fiscal Year 2026–2027 General Fund revenue and expenditure summary;45  General Fund revenue history from 2008 through 2027, including ad valorem46 tax revenues and all other revenue sources; and47  Total millage rate history for the Village of Palmetto Bay from 2023 through48 2027.49 6

MINUTES First Budget Hearing – Monday, September 18, 2026 Page 3 of 7 Manager Marano reported that the Village receives approximately $0.13 of every1 $1.00 in property taxes paid. Based on a median taxable residential property value2 of $394,284, the estimated Village tax at a 2.3500 millage rate would be $926.57.3 4 Following the Village Manager’s presentation, Mayor Karyn Cunningham motioned5 to increase the millage rate from 2.3500 to 2.389 which would allocate approximately6 $194,000 in projects that were added to the budget. The motion was seconded by7 Councilmember Steve Cody.8 9 SUMMARY OF COUNCIL DISCUSSION10 Discussion ensued between the members of the Council regarding the proposed11 millage rate and potential funding for additional projects.12 13 Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer discussed a proposed millage rate of 2.389 mills to fund14 additional projects and reported that the Village has an unassigned fund balance.15 He stated that completing projects during the current fiscal year could help position16 the Village to pursue future State and federal grant funding. He spoke opposed to17 increasing the millage rate solely for capital projects.18 19 Mayor Karyn Cunningham discussed the uncertainty of future grant funding and20 explained that some projects included in the budget had been supported by State21 legislators but could potentially be affected by future vetoes or funding decisions.22 She stated that if additional projects were added, the Village should consider smaller23 increases while recognizing that associated expenses may become recurring costs.24 25 Councilmember Steve Cody questioned the impact of a proposed millage increase26 on the median residential property.27 28 Village Manager Nick Marano stated that, based on a median taxable property value29 of approximately $394,000, the estimated Village tax would increase from30 approximately $926 to $941 annually, or approximately $15 per year.31 32 Councilmember Steve Cody discussed the importance of maintaining adequate33 reserves and avoiding expenditures that could require the Village to draw down its34 fund balance. He referenced prior budget decisions and explained his support for35 funding items such as benches and the proposed Village Hall parking lot pavement36 extension. He stated that he supported the proposed Ordinance and the minor37 increase in the amount paid by property owners.38 39 Councilmember Patrick Fiore questioned whether the additional projects discussed40 were included in the proposed millage rate.41 42 Village Manager Marano clarified that the projects were not included in the proposed43 rate because they were identified after the budget had already been prepared and44 detailed discussions with the Council had occurred after the budget was published45 on First Reading.46 47 Councilmember Patrick Fiore reported that the Deering Estate was a priority48 identified by the Vice Mayor and expressed support for continuing to provide49 7

MINUTES First Budget Hearing – Monday, September 18, 2026 Page 4 of 7 services and investments for Village residents.1 2 Mayor Karyn Cunningham questioned the number of votes required to establish a3 millage rate of 2.389 mills.4 5 Village Attorney John Quick stated that approval of the millage rate requires a four-6 fifths vote of the Council on Second Reading.7 8 Councilmember Marsha Matson spoke in support of the proposed projects but9 stated that she did not support increasing the millage rate. She emphasized10 prioritizing basic governmental services and that maintaining the same millage rate11 can still result in increased property tax revenues when property assessments12 increase. She identified stormwater improvements as an example of a priority13 because they help prevent flooding and protect properties and residents. She spoke14 in support of the rollback rate rather than a tax increase.15 16 Village Manager Nick Marano provided additional information regarding the17 difference in projected ad valorem revenues at various millage rates and discussed18 the projected Fiscal Year 2026–2027 ad valorem revenue.19 20 Vice Mayor Merwitzer stated that he supported maintaining the 2.3500 millage rate21 and considered allocating the additional revenue toward neighborhood investments22 to be an appropriate use of the funds.23 24 The Council continued its discussion regarding the proposed millage rate, additional25 projects, available revenues, fund reserves, and the potential future financial impact26 of adding recurring expenditures.27 28 VOTE ON AMENDMENT & ORDINANCE ON FIRST READING29 Village Clerk Missy Arocha called the roll on motion made by Mayor Karyn30 Cunningham and seconded by Councilmember Steve Cody to increase the millage31 rate from 2.3500 to 2.389.32 33 Mayor Karyn Cunningham - YES34 Councilmember Patrick Fiore - YES35 Councilmember Steve Cody - YES36 Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer - NO37 Councilmember Marsha Matson - NO38 39 Upon a roll call vote, the motion passed by a vote of (3-2); Vice Mayor Mark40 Merwitzer and Councilmember Marsha Matson voted opposed.41 42 Village Clerk Missy Arocha called the roll on the amended Ordinance on First43 Reading.44 45 Councilmember Marsha Matson - NO46 Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer - NO47 Councilmember Steve Cody - YES48 Councilmember Patrick Fiore - YES49 8

MINUTES First Budget Hearing – Monday, September 18, 2026 Page 5 of 7 Mayor Karyn Cunningham - YES1 2 The amended Ordinance passed by a vote of (3-2); Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer3 and Councilmember Marsha Matson voted opposed.4 5 Village Attorney John Quick explained that the millage rate would require a four-fifth6 (4/5) vote of the Council to pass on Second Reading.7 8 B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF9 PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO MODERNIZING THE COUNCIL’S10 DECORUM STATEMENT AND RULES OF PUBLIC MEETING CONDUCT;11 AMENDING SECTIONS 2-49 AND 2-50 OF THE VILLAGE CODE; PROVIDING12 FOR THE PROMOTION OF ORDERLY, RESPECTFUL, AND13 CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED PUBLIC PARTICIPATION; PROVIDING FOR14 SEVERABILITY, ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.15 (Sponsored by Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer)16 17 Item 3B was moved by Councilmember Steve Cody and seconded by18 Councilmember Patrick Fiore.19 20 VILLAGE MANAGER’S PRESENTATION21 Village Manager Nick Marano presented an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year22 2026–2027 operating and capital budget, including the following:23 24  Budget Summary Estimated Revenues25  Budget Summary Appropriated Expenditures26  Budget Overview27  FY27 – Department Budget Changes28  FY27 – General Fund Summary (Revenues/Expenditures)29  General Fund Expenditures30  Staffing Summary (total Village workforce for fiscal years 2023–2027)31  Proposed Positions by Department32  Village Policing Unit & Police Impact Fees33  Capital Maintenance Budget Highlights34  Public Services Fund35  CITT Transportation Highlights36  Transportation Fuel Taxes and Grants Highlights37  Stormwater Budget Highlights38  Building Fund39 40 COUNCIL DISCUSSION41 Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer the $800,000 Park Impact Fee fund balance and42 whether improvements at The Woods and Coral Reef Park could be funded through43 Park Impact Fees rather than the General Fund.44 45 Village Manager Nick Marano and Finance Director Desmond Chin explained that46 certain portions of the improvements could qualify for Park Impact Fee funding;47 however, the Capital and Maintenance Fund is currently being used, with a48 significant portion reserved for the Pickleball Center.49 9

MINUTES First Budget Hearing – Monday, September 18, 2026 Page 6 of 7 Vice Mayor Merwitzer requested that eligible expenses be funded through Park1 Impact Fees wherever possible to reduce the impact on the General Fund.2 3 Councilmember Patrick Fiore suggested temporarily removing lobbyist funding to4 allow the new incoming Council to determine future lobbying priorities. He also5 suggested reducing the proposed $100,000 allocation for Deering Estate efforts to6 $50,000 to free funds for other requested projects, including shade trees at Palmetto7 Bay Park.8 9 Village Attorney John Quick explained that the Village currently has separate State10 and federal lobbyists and advised that any motion regarding lobbyist funding should11 specify whether it applies to one or both lobbyists.12 13 Councilmember Marsha Matson raised questions regarding the increases in the14 Police and legal budgets and requested additional information regarding these15 expenditures.16 17 Village Manager Marano explained that the Miami Dade Sheriff's Office budget18 represents a conservative, worst-case projection and that the Village is currently19 projecting approximately $1 million in savings below the budgeted amount for Fiscal20 Year 2027. He also reported that the Village works with the Sheriff's Office annually21 to review and contest budget items and that unforeseen circumstances could affect22 the projected savings.23 24 Major Antonio Rodriguez reported that the Sheriff's Office monitors overtime25 expenditures and vacancies to control costs and avoid unnecessary overtime. He26 also explained that overtime funds may be used for special projects and27 investigations and provided information regarding the Village's low number of28 residential burglaries in 2026.29 30 Major Antonio Rodriguez answered questions regarding traffic enforcement, school31 zones, and revenue from traffic citations and reported that he did not have the32 current citation revenue figure available sought by the members of the Council.33 34 Village Manager Nick Marano responded that estimated approximately $175,000 in35 citation-related revenue for Fiscal Year 2027.36 37 Finance Director Desmond Chin reported that the Village's share of citation38 revenues had decreased from approximately 54% to 28% due to recent legislation.39 40 Village Manager Marano also addressed legal expenses, explaining that litigation41 costs were removed from the annual operating budget and are handled on a pay-42 as-needed basis, with mid-year budget amendments made if necessary. He stated43 that the Village incurred approximately $875,000 in litigation expenses during Fiscal44 Year 2026. For Fiscal Year 2027, approximately $350,000 was initially budgeted for45 legal services, while approximately $450,000 was identified as a realistic amount for46 general municipal attorney services, exclusive of litigation costs.47 48 Councilmember Matson requested that the Village Manager provide the Council with49 10

MINUTES First Budget Hearing – Monday, September 18, 2026 Page 7 of 7 the previously presented breakdown of legal expenses.1 2 VOTE ON AMENDMENTS & ORDINANCE ON FIRST READING3 Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer motioned to adopt and approve the proposed additions4 - not yet in adopted figures as presented on slide #21 of the Village Manager's for5 the FY-27 proposed budget. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Patrick6 Fiore. All voted in favor (5-0). The motion passed unanimously.7 8 Councilmember Patrick Fiore motioned to add $5,000.00 for more shade trees on9 the perimeter of the west side of Palmetto Bay Park. The motion was seconded by10 Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer. All voted in favor (5-0). The motion passed11 unanimously.12 13 Village Clerk Missy Arocha called the roll on the amended Ordinance on First14 Reading.15 16 Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer - YES17 Councilmember Steve Cody - YES18 Councilmember Patrick Fiore - YES19 Mayor Karyn Cunningham - YES20 Councilmember Marsha Matson - NO21 22 The amended Ordinance passed by a vote of (4-1); Councilmember Marsha23 Matson voted opposed.24 25 4. ADJOURNMENT: Councilmember Steve Cody made a motion to adjourn the meeting.26 Councilmember Patrick Fiore seconded the motion. All voted in favor (5-0). The motion27 passed unanimously.28 29 The meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.30 ____________________________________________________________________________31 32 The meeting minutes were approved this 14th day of September, 2026.33 34 Attest:35 36 37 ____________________________ ___________________________38 Mayor Karyn Cunningham Village Clerk Missy Arocha39 11

Missy Arocha From: noreply@civicplus.com Sent: To: Saturday, September 12, 2026 9:23 AM Melissa Dodge; Missy Arocha; Karyn Cunningham; Mark Merwitzer; Marsha Matson; Patrick Fiore; Steve Cody; Nick Marano; Karla Morales-Maestre Subject: [EXT] Online Form Submittal: Public Comments Form CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER — Please avoid opening any unexpected attachments or clicking on any strange links. Use good judgement! Forward suspicious emails to: spamreport (g)palmettobay-fl.gov Public Comments Form Online Public Meeting Agenda Comments Form Meeting Date 09/14/2026 Meeting Type Budget Workshop (Section Break) Exemption from Disclosure of Information Pursuant to Section 119 of the Florida Statutes, certain governmental records are exempt from public disclosure, such as home addresses, telephone numbers, etc... of specified current and former public personnel. If you qualify for such an exemption, please type in the word "exempt" under each field corresponding to your home address information and your telephone number. Name Thomas Emerson Email Address thomas_emerson@bellsouth.net Address 7421 SW148 St City Palmetto Bay State fl Zip Code 33158 Phone Number 3054959308 1 12

Meeting Agenda Link Agenda Center (Section Break) General Public Comments -"Requests, Petitions & Public Comments Submitted" 1 am very concerned with the budget increase being proposed for 2027. As a retiree we are on a fixed budget. The increase to 2.35 mills does not appear to be much due to the way the numbers are being presented. 1 paid almost $1200 in property taxes to Palmetto Bay last year at a millage rate of 2.3018. Not only will my millage rate increase but the county will also increase my assessed value, a double whammy. Along with increases in insurance and other taxes / taxing items. The Village needs to look at ways to reel in the expenditures for 2027 and spend within our budget. During my business career, we challenged ourselves every year to find ways to reduce next year’s budget or at minimum do not incr

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  • Agenda item 2Public hearings

    The Second Budget Hearing will hear requests, petitions, and public comments.

    Second budget hearing hears requests, petitions, and public comments

  • Agenda item 3Ordinances

    A. Official meeting record item

    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

    Department: APPROVAL OF MINUTES · Topics: budget

  • Agenda item 4Public hearings

    B. The Mayor and Village Council would approve and adopt the budget for the village for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.

    ORDINANCES FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING

    Department: APPROVAL OF MINUTES · Topics: budget

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