Doral Tax Rate Slated to Stay the Same for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year

According to the Miami Herald, Doral residents can expect their taxes to stay the same for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Doral’s council voted recently to keep the tax rate from being raised before October, while it can be lowered, and in a 3-2 vote the proposed tax rate of $2.45 for every $1,000 of assessed taxable value was adopted. This rate is the same rate as the current fiscal year. This is good news for the residents of Doral who enjoy living in one of top rated communities by Forbes Magazine, and is the fastest growing community in the Miami/Dade area. The average Doral home is assessed at approximately $170,760 making the city taxes only $294. Since its incorporation in 2003, Doral has not raised local property taxes. 

Doral property values are experiencing an increase of 1.97 percent according to the Miami/Dade County Appraiser’s office. This means homeowners may see a slight increase in taxes due to this increase in value. Councilwoman Ana Maria Rodriguez opposed a tax increase, while Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez said in a phone interview with the Herald that he feels is it time to lower taxes. Councilman Pete Cabrera disagrees with the Mayor and feels now is not the time for Doral to lower taxes. He stated in a phone interview with the Herald that Doral is such a new city and needs to build up its infrastructure that a tax decrease would not be a wise move for the health of Doral. 

Councilman Michael DiPetro voted to maintain the current rate, and said he would formulate his final opinion after he reviewed the city’s budget for the current and coming fiscal year. A budget workshop was held on August 20th and two public hearings are scheduled for this month. The first was held over a two day period from September 5th and 6th. The final public hearing is slated for September 26th at 5 p.m. It is to be held at the council chambers at 8401 NW 53rd Terrace. The budget for next year will include an increase of $12.1 million for the Parks and Recreation Department. Since its incorporation in 2003, Doral started with no parks and now has six parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. 

Plans for the installation of new cameras on the Trails & Tails Park, a dog friendly trail which is very popular with residents, are included in the increased budget. The purchase of a 1.2 acre triangle shaped plot will expand Downtown Doral Park. Another proposed improvement for the city is the creation of a nearly 20 acre park between NW 80th Street and NW 82nd Avenue. This park is projected to cost the city approximately $20 million. Doral takes pride in the beauty of the city, the high quality of life, and an affordable living expense. With all of these things going for this young community, it is no wonder it is the fastest growing city in the Miami area.