We, the undersigned residents of North Miami Beach, urgently call upon you to take immediate action to lower the millage rate and ensure fiscal accountability within our city. The current financial burdens imposed by high property taxes are unsustainable for many of our families, particularly homestead residents who are struggling to maintain their homes and quality of life.
Reasons for This Petition:
1. Escalating Property Tax Burdens: The millage rate in North Miami Beach has placed an undue financial strain on residents, especially middle-class families and retirees. Despite claims of financial incapacity, the city's budget for salaries, benefits, and pensions has significantly increased, highlighting a misalignment of priorities.
2. Financial Mismanagement: Recent audits have revealed issues such as purchasing card abuse and unaccounted-for funds, indicating a lack of fiscal responsibility. The late filing of the audit and the resignation of the city manager further underscore the need for transparent and accountable governance.
3. Partisan Influence and Conflict of Interest: Allegations that public resources are being used to promote partisan interests, particularly those of the Democratic Party, have eroded public trust. Joe Geller, the city attorney, and Mayor Michael Joseph, who also lead the Democratic Party, are perceived as prioritizing external agendas over resident welfare, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
4. Suppression of Dissent: During recent budget hearings, Commissioner @LynnSuNMB attempted to review budget items line by line to ensure transparency and resident interests were considered. However, she was silenced by the mayor's gavel, and the budget was rushed through without adequate scrutiny or resident input. This action disregards the desperate pleas of residents seeking tax relief and undermines democratic processes.
5. Procedural Unfairness: The city has presented the budget only after residents have spoken during hearings, preventing informed discussion and alienating the community from decision-making. Future budget hearings must allow residents to review the proposed budget beforehand to ensure their voices are heard and considered.
Demands:
We demand that the Mayor and City Commissioners take the following actions to address these critical issues:
1. Lower the Millage Rate: Immediately reduce the millage rate to provide tangible relief to homestead residents, aligning with the goal of making North Miami Beach a more affordable place to live.
2. Conduct a Comprehensive Financial Audit: Ensure an independent audit is completed promptly to restore transparency and accountability in the city's financial operations.
3. Reallocate Resources: Redirect funds from inflated salaries, benefits, and pensions to support property tax relief and other resident-focused initiatives.
4. Address Governance Issues: Investigate allegations of partisan misuse of city resources and take decisive action to ensure that public office is used solely for the benefit of North Miami Beach residents.
5. Reform the Budget Process: Structure future budget hearings to allow residents to review the proposed budget before providing input, fostering a more inclusive and transparent decision-making environment.
Call to Action:
North Miami Beach is a community that deserves better. We deserve a government that prioritizes our financial well-being, ensures transparency, and listens to our concerns. By signing this petition, we are united in our demand for change and our commitment to holding our leaders accountable.
Please sign below to support this petition and join us in calling for lower millage rates and fiscal accountability in North Miami Beach.
