After hours of debating in an emergency meeting, the City of Miami unanimously approved a more than 1 billion dollar budget.
The commission voted on the budget originally in September, but the state said the count was invalid — threatening 56 million in tax revenue.
The budget was passed in September by a unanimous vote of 4. Missing was former commissioner Alex Diaz De La Portilla. He was arrested, then suspended over charges of bribery and money laundering.
“As a result we voted, the remaining 4 members of the commission voted unanimously we took that as a unanimous vote per pay statute”, said Arthur Noriega, Miami City Manager.
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But Noriega says the Department of Revenue notified the city that the four-person vote did not comply with state laws— arguing the city must pass a budget with a five-person unanimous vote.
“We adamantly disagree with that discussed at the commission meeting and as a result, we decided to pursue and move forward with a unanimous vote,” said Noriega.
Now the state is threatening to withhold $56 million in tax revenue if the commission doesn't remedy the problem.
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Monday night, one of the newest commissioners says he has concerns over the budget and tax rate.
“I don't feel comfortable voting for something that looks like a tax increase on the residents, enough as it is residents are struggling to maintain families, put food on the table and a ceiling over their head”, said Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela.
Commissioners are confused on whether the deadline to remedy is tonight or on December 18th.
