City prepares for a projected revenue gap
Miami Gardens is cutting spending ahead of a property-tax change that city estimates say could reduce municipal revenue by nearly $9.8 million in 2027 and approximately $14.2 million in 2028. The reductions are being made in anticipation of exemptions created under Amendment 3, a measure expected to lower the taxable value of qualifying homes for non-school taxes.
The financial tradeoff is already drawing mixed reactions among residents. Homeowners could see meaningful savings on their tax bills, while the city would have fewer dollars available to pay for municipal operations and services. City projections estimate average homeowner savings of $694 in 2027, increasing to $1,387 in 2028.
“It is a big savings for me, but it’s a big loss for me because I’m gonna get less services from the city of Miami Gardens,” resident Lanette Jones said.
Jones said her home was most recently assessed at $129,000. Under the new provision, she said, she would be eligible to exempt $150,000 from the property's taxable value for non-school taxes. Based on her previous city property-tax bill of $2,700, Jones said the change could eliminate what she pays to Miami Gardens. She nevertheless said she voted against the amendment because of the potential effect on city services.
Large reductions planned for events
A review of the city budget found that officials have already made significant changes to prepare for the expected loss. Funding for special events was reduced from $9 million to $558,000, according to the report. The changes include eliminating funding for major events such as Jazz in the Gardens, a prominent program in the city's community and entertainment calendar.
The city also instituted a hiring freeze, although police positions were excluded from the restriction. The city manager's office remains uncertain about whether the frozen positions will eventually be restored. That uncertainty adds another layer to the city's planning as officials attempt to balance tax relief for property owners with the continuing cost of municipal services and staffing.
- 2027 estimated city revenue loss: nearly $9.8 million
- 2028 estimated city revenue loss: close to $14.2 million
- Average homeowner savings: $694 in 2027 and $1,387 in 2028
- Special-events spending: reduced from $9 million to $558,000
Residents weigh savings against services
For some residents, the anticipated reduction in taxes is especially important as household budgets remain under pressure. Albert Fulton, a retired resident, said keeping more money would give him additional funds for other expenses. His comments reflect the direct benefit that supporters of the tax change may see once the exemption is applied.
| Item | City estimate or budget change |
|---|---|
| Municipal revenue in 2027 | Nearly $9.8 million reduction |
| Municipal revenue in 2028 | Close to $14.2 million reduction |
| Average homeowner savings in 2027 | $694 |
| Average homeowner savings in 2028 | $1,387 |
During a September budget hearing, City Manager Cameron Benson said Miami Gardens chose to plan before the impact of the amendment arrived. The approach means officials are reducing expenditures now rather than waiting for the full revenue consequences to appear in future budgets. The decisions, however, place several visible city priorities under review, including event programming and the size of the municipal workforce.
City officials, the mayor and members of the City Council were contacted for comment. Councilman Wilson said he was traveling and unavailable, while responses from other officials remained pending. For residents, the coming budget years will determine how the balance between lower property taxes and city spending is reflected in services, events and local government operations.
