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 It
is likely you have heard the term second-class citizens, but have you
ever heard of a second-class city? Well, if a proposed charter
amendment passes in this fall's election, that is just what Miami-Dade
county will have, two-tier cities. Municipalities like Pinecrest that
incorporated prior to this amendment will continue to run as
independent and sovereign cities, while new cities such as Palmetto
Bay will have a limited right of self governance.
This is a pathetic attempt on the part of Miami-Dade County to throw a
bone to the growing list of areas desiring to form their own
municipality. The county has stated that it will only allow the
formation of new cities if the county's voters pass the following
amendment to the home rule charter.
LIMITATIONS ON CHARTER
POWERS OF NEW MUNICIPALITIES
Shall the Miami-Dade County home rule charter be amended to provide
that with regard to municipalities created after September 1, 2000 the
pre-agreed conditions between the county and the municipality, which
are included in the municipal charter, can only be changed if approved
by a two-thirds vote of the county commissioners then in office, prior
to a vote of qualified municipal electors?
However, the "pre-agreed conditions" language contained in
the charter amendment is purposely vague. Among the "pre-agreed
conditions" proposed by the county manager and some members of
the county commission is the forced retention of the Miami-Dade Police
Department, which is absurd. The desire for a responsive
community-based police department is the most significant reason to
incorporate for many areas, just as it was for Pinecrest.
Another "pre-agreed condition" that the county has suggested
would be equivalent to permanent alimony by "donor" cities,
as they would be required to buy their way out of county control. If a
new city's municipal revenue is deemed to be in excess of what it
receives in the county, the city would be required to give back
revenue to the county. According to county staff, most of the new
cities would give Miami-Dade millions in annual payments in
perpetuity.
Some of you may remember that shortly after Pinecrest incorporated,
there was similar talk of requiring all cities in the county to
participate in such a revenue sharing initiative. The Miami Herald
printed a story showing the millions that cities like Hialeah and
Coral Gables would be forced to donate back to the county and that
rightfully killed that proposal.
All residents of Miami-Dade, regardless of whether they live in a city
or in an unincorporated area, already pay county taxes in addition to
their local city taxes.
As if all of these requirements were not enough of an injustice, the
proposed amendment will be put to a vote countywide. Clearly, it would
have been more equitable to allow only those citizens in
unincorporated areas to vote on this issue.
Therefore, in support of LINC (Lets Incorporate Now Coalition) I urge
all voters to reject this amendment to the charter and on October 3,
vote NO.
Vote NO against this.
I can be reached at 305-666-7969 or via fax, 305-666-8487.
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