Vol. 5, No. 14 20 October 2024
ALERT FENCING REFEREE
The City of South Miami is being papered with flyers about the candidates for the Commissioner, Group II position. Some flyers posit innuendos, some of them are vague, some of them seem truthful. In order to be an alert referee, please think about this:
REFERENDUM 3
The Mayor's PC stated that the $62 million would be used for improvements, like sewer conversion, road repair and investments in parks. And it claimed that such improvement would not require tax increases. However, when I went to the City's web site, I read this about Referendum 3:
What is a General Obligation Bond? A General Obligation Bond is a type of municipal bond issued by a city or county to finance public projects such as schools, parks, or infrastructure improvements. Florida Statutes, Title IX, Chapter 100 empowers local governments to issue General Obligation Bonds for public projects such as infrastructure, facilities, and community enhancements, providing a legal framework for such financial transactions.
What is the purpose of the General Obligation Bond on this ballot? The General Obligation Bond on the upcoming ballot is intended to fund projects such as improvements and expansions to the City’s Community Center, redevelopment of City Hall and the Police Department Headquarters, replacement and repairs of City infrastructure including damaged culverts and a failing bridge. The bond aims to provide enhanced facilities and infrastructure that will benefit our valued residents and those who visit the City.
How will this bond be repaid? General Obligation Bonds are secured by the full faith and credit of the City. The bonds can be repaid from any legally available source of funds, including property tax revenues, via a dedicated debt service millage, special assessment bonds, grants, assessments, or other sources.
What is the impact on taxpayers? If approved the specific impact will depend on the total amount of the bond and the assessed value of properties.
What are the benefits of approving this bond? Approving the bond will result in improved city-wide public infrastructure and enhanced community facilities.
Click here for more about Referendum 3.
The Mayor claims much of the City's current debt will be paid off in two years. Nonetheless, I would like to know a lot of specifics about what any obligation bond would be financing. It seems to me that the City staff and Commission could have specific plans and estimates in two years. Then, the South Miami voters could have options to approve several bonds for specific projects.
OTHER VOICES
Several residents of South Miami helped to fund a recent text message:
Another resident shared an email written to one of the candidates: "I am afraid there is just too much to unravel after hearing from both of you directly. ... I hope Thursday happens and you can give each other credit as humans and explain your differences. Maybe there aren't any.
THURSDEAY, OCTOBER 24, 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm
The organizers are delighted that the Elks Lodge has granted time and space for this event without charge. We will be supplying printed material and pens, but we do not have funding to supply snacks. We invite you to bring whatever refreshments you want to help you be present.
OUR LARGER ENVIRONMENT
That day, I picked up trash caught in the mangroves at Chapman Field Park. Then I counted pieces of collected styrofoam as I filled one of the bags with the trash the group had amassed. In that bag there were 133 pieces. There was so much more garbage I had seen, but didn't have time to go after!
ANOTHER WAY TO GIVE BACK
I am the District 21 New Volunteer Coordinator. Click here for more specifics about this district, South Miami-Dade County. The 2024 tax season will be my seventh year as a volunteer. I find my interactions with the other volunteers (many of them have become good friends) and taxpayers very, very rewarding.
If you would like to volunteer for this coming season, click here.
Have questions? I would be delighted to hear from you. Please click here for my contact information.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If the Mayor will not provide specific details, then he should be removed. South Miami
residents deserve better.
Ellen
Then you have a candidate that is putting signs on people's lawn without even asking. I've seen him. Many neighbors have even trashed them. I had to remove his sign and my cleaning lady dumped it. Well he had he audacity to come knock on my door asking for it back. Like seriously... I want to see him pick up all of his sign afterwards to see if he even will. What a creep.