# A Word From Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/a-word-from-miami-beach-commissioner-michael-gongora/
- Published: 2012-07-20T16:14:58-04:00
- Author: EAN

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you are enjoying your summer so far. While historically a slower time, the
past couple of years in Miami Beach have seen increased tourism and events eliminating
any doubt that Miami Beach is no longer a seasonal destination; instead we have 
become an around the year hot spot. This week kicks off Mercedes Benz Swimsuit Fashion
Week, Funkshion Summer Fashion Week and numerous shows, events and soirees associated
therewith. I hope to see you at one or many of the upcoming events.

Yesterday the Miami Beach Commission had a lengthy meeting which was the first with
Interim City Manager Kathie Brooks. There was much speculation about the City Commission
resolving a severance package for the former City Manager but it became clear prior
to the meeting that the Commission did not have enough information to do so. The
Commission did approve an interim management contract for Ms. Brooks that eliminated
numerous costs associated with the prior manager’s compensation including no housing
allowance and much reduced insurance and pension contributions. By my estimation,
the Commission is paying Ms. Brooks at least $115,000 less per year than the prior
manager in total compensation. The compensation package is more in line with what
is appropriate.

Additionally, the City Commission set a tax rate ceiling calling for one million
dollars in property tax reductions for property owners compared with last year’s
millage rate. The Commission intends to take down the millage rate even further 
when we meet in September. Each year in July, the City Commission must set a maximum
tax rate ceiling that we cannot increase but can reduce. Last year, the City Commission
reduced the property tax millage rate further at the September meeting – a pattern
we intend to repeat this year. The Miami Beach Commission will meet for a special
budget and finance meeting on July 25th to consider how to provide additional reductions
for our taxpayers.

Last, the Miami Beach Commission voted to put out several issues to the voters during
the November election. First, voters will decide whether to move the City Clerk’s
Office out from under the City Manager and transfer responsibility to the Mayor 
and Commission. This was done to ensure accountability of the City Clerk in providing
public records in a fair and even manner. Second, the voters will determine whether
the Historic Preservation Board and its powers and duties should be codified in 
the City Charter or remain as it has been under the purview of the Mayor and Commission.
Finally, the voters will decide whether to make changes with regard to how candidates
for City office qualify by petition. I voted in favor of putting these decisions
before the voters as I believe public input is helpful in determining the best course
of action for our City.

In closing, I wish you and yours a happy and healthy summer and that you enjoy the
beautiful Miami Beach weather. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to 
Diana or me with any questions or concerns. It is also Diana’s birthday on July 
30th so please join me in wishing her a very happy birthday!

Until next month I remain very truly yours,

![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NTVkGQ2mV6I/Txyvh6l2TQI/AAAAAAAAlSY/3_pAB70szZU/
s290/mg%252520sig.jpg?gl=US)

 

**Michael**

**Your Miami Beach Commissioner**