The proposed North Bay Village budget for 2026–2027 outlines how the community would fund public safety, maintain essential services, and meet infrastructure obligations. For residents, it also raises a practical question: How would these plans affect property taxes and monthly utility bills?
The fiscal year runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Although the proposal includes increases, the review process has already brought the proposed tax rates down from the maximum levels discussed in July.
Here is a closer look at the numbers, what they would support, and how residents can participate before final approval.
North Bay Village Budget: Lower Rates Than Initially Proposed
The proposed operating tax rate has decreased during the budget process.
Operating taxes help fund everyday municipal services. These taxes are calculated using a measurement called a “mill.” One mill equals $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.
In July, the Commission established a maximum proposed operating rate of 7.0000 mills. The Village Manager subsequently recommended 6.7386 mills. Additional administrative reductions of approximately $618,700 brought the current proposal to 6.3975 mills.
Together, these adjustments represent approximately $1.09 million less in operating revenue than the July maximum would have generated.
The proposed debt-service rate also decreased, from 3.4098 to 2.1659 mills. This portion of the tax bill covers debt payments.
For the median-value home used in the budget example, the combined reductions would mean approximately $971 less annually than under the July maximum rates. However, the revised proposal would still produce a higher Village tax bill than the current year.
What Would the Proposed Budget Support?
The North Bay Village budget discussions include public safety, community facilities, employee compensation, and support services.
Items presented at the July 28 meeting totaled approximately $2.49 million:
| Item presented for consideration | Amount |
|---|---|
| Required cost-allocation recalculation | $1,116,000 |
| Community Center funding | $576,000 |
| New police pay scale | $275,000 |
| 3% cost-of-living adjustment for general employees | $137,000 |
| Full-time IT Technician | $110,000 |
| Full-time Records Clerk | $98,000 |
| Four additional hours of police patrol | $94,000 |
| 3% cost-of-living adjustment for sworn police personnel | $57,000 |
| Restored community events | $20,000 |
| Coffee and tea for employees and guests | $2,524 |
These items serve different purposes. For example, the cost-allocation recalculation changes how expenses are assigned within the budget. Other proposals would support staffing, facilities, and community activities.
Their inclusion in discussions does not mean every item has received final approval. The public review process gives residents an opportunity to ask what each expense covers and how it would benefit the community.
Understanding Property Values and Revenue
The Village’s total taxable property value increased approximately 6.3%, reaching about $1.91 billion. At that tax base, each mill would generate roughly $1.81 million in net revenue.
The proposed operating rate would generate approximately $11.6 million, compared with about $9.74 million at the reported rolled-back rate of 5.3686 mills.
The rolled-back rate is a benchmark designed to produce approximately the same property-tax revenue as the previous year, subject to statutory adjustments. It does not mean every homeowner’s bill would remain unchanged.
Meanwhile, General Fund spending increased from approximately $8.04 million in FY 2016–2017 to $14.91 million in FY 2024–2025. Police spending accounted for a substantial share of the most recent increases.
Where Your Property Taxes Go
Your property-tax bill supports several agencies.
According to the supplied budget breakdown, approximately $36.36 of every $100 in property taxes goes to North Bay Village. The remainder supports other taxing authorities, including Miami-Dade County and the School Board.
Within the Village’s spending breakdown, each $100 is allocated approximately as follows:
| Service area | Allocation |
|---|---|
| Police | $55.34 |
| Administration and Operations | $16.38 |
| General Government | $15.70 |
| Community Engagement | $7.19 |
| Street Maintenance | $5.39 |
Public safety represents the largest portion. The other categories help support municipal operations, resident programs, and street maintenance.
How Much Could Homeowners Pay?
The budget example uses a home with a taxable value of $526,073. This is the value used to calculate taxes, which may differ considerably from the home’s market value.
| Village tax component | Current annual amount | Proposed annual amount | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating taxes | $3,002 | $3,366 | $364 |
| Debt-service taxes | $614 | $1,139 | $525 |
| Total Village taxes | $3,616 | $4,505 | $889 |
After accounting for changes from other taxing authorities, the example estimates a total property-tax increase of approximately $872 annually, subject to rounding.
Actual bills will depend on each property’s taxable value, exemptions, and applicable assessments.
Proposed Utility Changes and Infrastructure Funding
The proposal also includes utility adjustments scheduled for October 1, 2026, if adopted:
| Utility adjustment | Proposed change |
|---|---|
| Water adjustment for debt repayment | +14.20% |
| County water-cost pass-through | +1.67% |
| Sewer | +6.24% |
| Sanitation | +4.00% |
| Stormwater | No change |
The water debt adjustment would help repay state loans for water-main rehabilitation and the replacement of water meters and service lines.
For a single-family home using 6,000 gallons per month, the estimated utility bill would increase from $240.51 to $258.30. That represents approximately $17.79 more monthly, or $213 annually.
For condominium residents, the effect may appear in association expenses, depending on how the building receives and pays its utility bills. Individual buildings should review their own consumption and billing arrangements when planning expenses.
Planning Ahead and Staying Involved
Combining the estimated $889 increase in Village taxes with approximately $213 in additional utility costs, the example household would pay about $1,102 more annually, or roughly $92 per month, from Village-related changes.
Including the estimated decrease from other taxing authorities brings the overall increase closer to $1,085 annually, or approximately $90 per month.
These are meaningful household expenses. Clear information helps residents plan ahead and understand the services and obligations behind the proposal.
The reductions made since July show that the North Bay Village budget has already evolved through review. Continued public participation gives residents an opportunity to ask questions and help shape the final decisions.
The rates remain proposed and may change before adoption. Residents should confirm hearing dates and review official budget materials through the Village’s official website.
Village officials have indicated that residents may see a further reduction before the budget receives final approval. They explained that the figure established at the meeting leaves room for additional adjustments: it can be lowered or remain unchanged, but it cannot be increased at the final hearing. While another reduction is not guaranteed, this gives the Village an opportunity to continue reviewing expenses and look for ways to ease the impact on households while supporting essential services.
For more neighborhood updates, community news, and local development coverage, visit NorthBayVillage.news.
