C7H - Fund $3k for Advisory Committees

Resolutions - C7 H

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The City Administration (“Administration”) recommends that the Commission accepts the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee’s (“FERC” or “Committee”) recommendation to consider funding an annual allocation of $3,000 to each of the City’s six advisory committees addressing human and civil rights as part of the FY 2026 budget process.

The Administration recommends that while the Commission evaluates an annual allocation of $3,000 to each of the City’s six advisory committees addressing human and civil rights, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget, beginning in FY 2026:

1. The City’s increasing unfunded capital improvement program 2. Long-term General Fund financial projections indicating a potential shortfall in upcoming fiscal years 3. The passage of Amendment 5 in November 2024, which increases the homestead exemption and further constrains the growth of taxable property values

These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding an annual allocation of $3,000 to each of the City’s six advisory committees addressing human and civil rights align with the City’s broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

On February 26, 2025, Commissioner Alex Fernandez sponsored resolution (item C7W) for an annual allocation of $3,000 to each of the City’s six advisory committees addressing human and civil rights (i.e., the Human Rights Committee, City of Miami Beach Commission for Women, Disability Access Committee, Black Affairs Advisory Committee, Hispanic Affairs Committee, and LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee) in the total amount not to exceed $18,000 in the aggregate, to enable these committees to sponsor educational, community-wide events throughout the year, subject to the City Manager’s approval.

Commissioner Suarez pulled the resolution from the consent agenda for discussion. The Commissioner expressed concerns that this action could lead to these Committees requesting additional funding in future years and lead other resident Committees to now begin requesting their own funding

The Mayor and City Commission (“City Commission”) referred the item to FERC for discussion.

On June 4, 2025, the FERC recommended the item return to Commission to consider funding an annual allocation of $3,000 to each of the City’s six advisory committees addressing human and civil rights as part of the FY 2026 budget process.

ANALYSIS

Currently, if a Committee sees an event or an idea on a City expenditure, it passes a motion which goes to Commission via a Letter to Commission (LTC). A Commissioner then can sponsor a resolution to fund an event. The Administration does not track how many Committees’ motioned ideas that could require City funding are sponsored by a Commissioner and attain funding. The Administration did reach out to the Committee liaisons to request information of funding requests related to events.

1. Human Rights Committee a. Held a number of events including Red Sand Event in Pride Park and Human Rights Expo at Scott Rakow Youth Center which were funded by private donations. 2. City of Miami Beach Commission for Women a. Per new liaison - no recent motions. 3. Disability Access Committee a. Per Liaison - No funding related motions over the last two fiscal years. 4. Black Affairs Advisory Committee a. In FY 2023 a motion for $2,000 in funding was requested and it was sponsored by a Commissioner. b. The current standing request $3,000 in annual funding is part of this item. 5. Hispanic Affairs Committee a. Per Liaison - No recent funding related motions b. But City already funds $3,00 for the Hispanic Heritage Awards Ceremony event. 6. LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee a. Per Liaison - No recent funding related motions

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

$18,000 per fiscal year recurring if approved as part of the FY 2026 budget.

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

N/A

CONCLUSION

The Administration recommends that the Commission accepts the FERC recommendation to consider funding an annual allocation of $3,000 to each of the City’s six advisory committees addressing human and civil rights as part of the FY 2026 budget process.

Applicable Area

Citywide

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Finance

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Alex Fernandez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Accept Rec/Consider Funding Each (6) advisory Committees Addressing Human/Civil Rights for FY 26. (AF) FN

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)