Key Biscayne homeowners facing a potential 4.2% property tax rate increase will get their first public chance to push back, or ask questions, at a community budget workshop Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. in the Lighthouse Room at the Key Biscayne Community Center.
Village Manager Steve Williamson and Chief Financial Officer Benjamin Nussbaum will walk residents through the proposed $56.1 million spending plan for fiscal year 2026-27, the Islander News reported.
The Village Council has set a preliminary maximum tax rate of 3.0066 mills, up from the current 2.8846. That ceiling can be lowered before adoption but not raised. Mayor Joe Rasco has said he expects the final rate to come down, according to the Islander News.
Where the money goes
The baseline operating budget of $44.4 million is actually about $966,000 less than the current year. The bigger number comes from $7.5 million in special revenue and enterprise funds plus $4.1 million for eight new initiatives, including:
- $1.3 million for beach and dune renourishment
- $1.25 million to replace the athletic field turf at MAST Academy, split 50-50 with Miami-Dade County Public Schools
- $500,000 to rehabilitate Village facility elevators
- $350,000 to replace police vehicles
Other proposals include a new police boat, an additional firefighter position, a Community Center sewer upgrade and improved multimedia equipment in the Council Chamber.
Flood spending dominates capital plan
A separate multiyear capital improvement program totals roughly $64.1 million. Nearly $27 million of that targets flood reduction, with another $10.4 million earmarked for public safety. Funding would draw from grants, bond proceeds, the general fund and carryover dollars.
Village leaders have also discussed sponsorships, naming opportunities and other partnerships to offset reliance on property taxes, according to the Islander News.
What residents should know
The Aug. 19 session is informal.
No votes will be taken. Residents can ask questions and suggest priorities before the budget returns to the Village Council for formal hearings in September.
Upcoming community dates:
- Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m. — Budget workshop, Lighthouse Room, Key Biscayne Community Center
- September — Formal Village Council budget hearings
