Aventura residents get their first chance to weigh in on the city's proposed tax rate and spending plan Tuesday.

First budget hearing set for Tuesday evening

The City Commission's First Budget Public Hearing begins at 6 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at Aventura Government Center, 19200 West Country Club Drive. Commissioners will consider two ordinances on first reading: one setting the ad valorem (property tax) millage rate and one adopting the tentative Operating and Capital Budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

City Manager Bryan Pegues and Finance Director Melissa Cruz are recommending commissioners hold the millage rate at 1.7261 mills, unchanged from the current year, according to a Sept. 4 memorandum included in the hearing agenda. At that rate, the city projects $23,452,500 in property tax revenue based on a certified taxable assessed value of roughly $14.3 billion.

The proposed rate sits 2.03% above the rolled-back rate of 1.6918 mills, the state-calculated level that would produce the same revenue as the prior year. That gap reflects rising property values across the city.

What changed in the budget since July

The commission first reviewed the tentative budget on July 23. Staff made several changes since then.

The biggest: health insurance. The budgeted premium increase jumped from 15% to 23%, adding roughly $244,325 to the General Fund, $5,655 to the Building Fund and $1,550 to the Stormwater Fund.

Staff also reallocated $582,800 within the Police Department to align body-worn camera and drone costs with updated accounting standards. Property and liability insurance costs dropped by about $170,070 after final renewal figures came in.

The budget sets aside a Capital Reserve of $3,926,913, to be added to the city's committed fund balance on Sept. 30.

Full commission set for two hearings

Mayor Howard S. Weinberg and six commissioners will preside: Vice Mayor Clifford B. Ain, Gustavo Blachman, Amit Bloom, Rachel S. Friedland, Paul A. Kruss and Cindy Orlinsky.

Tuesday's vote is on first reading only. The second and final Budget Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:01 p.m. in the same location.

Residents who want to participate can contact the Office of the City Clerk at 305-466-8901 or [email protected]. The full agenda is available at cityofaventura.com.