The Miami-Dade County Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with a presentation on the budget process, emphasizing its year-round nature and the importance of early planning.

The staff outlined that a draft budget was submitted back in February, adhering to the guideline of keeping expenditures below 1% of surtax collections. This internal analysis was necessary as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) does not provide the relevant surtax collection figures until July, which is often too late for adjustments.

During the discussion, it was noted that most budget line items remained unchanged, except for mandatory increases dictated by the county, such as rent and salary adjustments. These adjustments include merit increases and a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

A significant point of discussion was the addition of a new staff position, which was recommended following an audit by the Office of the County Internal Audit. This position aims to enhance the monitoring of municipal financial information between audits, reflecting a proactive approach to financial oversight.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to finalize the budget while ensuring it aligns with the county's financial guidelines and addresses the needs identified in the audit. Further discussions and decisions regarding the budget will continue in subsequent meetings, as the Trust works towards effective transportation funding and management in Miami-Dade County.