The city of Miami Beach is facing a hefty $10 million fine from Miami-Dade County following its decision to cancel a proposed referendum aimed at funding shelters for the homeless. Next week, the Board of County Commissioners will vote on this financing proposal, as reported by Univision News.
The referendum, which was never placed on the ballot, suggested a 1% tax on businesses serving alcohol, with the proceeds intended to fund homeless services. However, the Miami Beach Commission opted to withdraw the proposal, citing concerns about the financial burden on small businesses. This controversial decision has led to legal repercussions.
According to Local 10, in a special meeting held Thursday, Miami Beach commissioners agreed to a proposal to allocate $5 million as partial funding. This amount is half of the $10 million initially requested by Miami-Dade to address this social issue. The plan involves sourcing $4 million from the Miami Beach redevelopment agency and raising the remainder through a 4% lodging tax at a future convention center.
"If we proceed with Commissioner Magazine's proposal, tourists will be the ones taxed to finance homeless services," explained Miami Beach Commissioner David Suárez. This approach aims to shift the economic burden away from residents and onto visitors.
The issue has sparked significant debate and tension between Miami Beach leaders and Miami-Dade County. Commissioner Tanya Bhatt defended the city's stance, stating that accusations of insufficient support are "inaccurate." "It's not true that we don't care or aren't contributing. We are responsibly fulfilling our part," Bhatt added during the session.
The county has yet to decide whether to accept this compromise offer from Miami Beach. While the city has pledged $5 million annually, the lack of agreement leaves the future handling of this challenge uncertain. The decision could set a precedent for managing funds earmarked for the homeless, highlighting the need for sustainable and agreed-upon solutions.
Since October, the HB 1365 Law, part of Governor Ron DeSantis' "law and order" agenda, has been in effect. Signed in March 2024 at an event in Miami Beach, the governor believes this legislation aims not only to maintain public safety but also to humanely address the homeless issue, facilitating their reintegration into society.