Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Miami public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Employee health and dental insurance for 2027
The city is keeping Cigna for health and vision and switching dental to Aetna for 2027, saving about $41,000. Health costs still went up 9.5%, but that's after negotiating Cigna down from a 16.5% initial ask.
State legislator raises spending concerns
State Rep. Fabian Basabé told the council residents are calling him about the city's consultant contracts and spending, and floated a free state operational audit. The mayor pushed back, saying residents should call their own council members.
Procurement code overhaul
The city is updating how it picks evaluation committees for contracts — the city manager will now appoint them, and a technical advisor can sit in. Comes as a state representative publicly flagged concerns about the city's contracting practices.
Extended City Service Hours and Tree Trimming Grant
Starting May 19, select city departments will offer after-hours service once a month so working residents can access permits and other services. A tree-trimming grant of up to $1,000 per homeowner will also be explained at a May 19 workshop.
Building Department property acquisition
The city has state money that must be spent by September to buy a home for the Building Department. The council gave the manager and attorney authority to negotiate and buy (3-1), with Burns pushing back on blanket authority and the city attorney explaining council approval could be built into the contract.
Community Relations Board abolished
The council finalized sunsetting the city's Youth Opportunity Board, the advisory board tied to the youth summer internship program.