The City of Opa-locka Charter Review Board discussed whether to recommend placing questions about mayor and city commission compensation and benefits on the 2026 ballot during its Oct. 2, 2025 meeting.

The board reviewed two existing ballot resolutions from 2022 — Resolution 22-007 and Resolution 22-008 — that would increase pay and add benefits for the mayor and commissioners. The board clerk advised members that Miami-Dade County’s primary election is Aug. 18, 2026 (deadline to submit ballot questions: May 22, 2026) and the general election is Nov. 3, 2026 (deadline: July 24, 2026). The clerk noted, “If we were to put any ballot questions on that election, you'll see the deadline for that is Friday, 05/22/2026.”

Board members discussed differences between the two resolutions and whether to present a single combined question to voters. City documents shown to the board indicate that Resolution 22-008 includes a $300 monthly vehicle stipend that Resolution 22-007 does not. Several board members urged combining or clarifying the language so voters would not be confused; one member asked whether both items could be merged into a single measure to improve voter uptake.

Board member Bridal Dennis framed the conversation around recent changes in city management and finances: “I wanted to look and find out how can we help them because I remember when… the city was still in financial straits. It's coming out of that now.” Other members said they have seen increased city activity and events and argued that compensation should reflect the time and community obligations of elected officials.

Clerk and staff clarified process and timing: the Charter Review Board can make recommendations but a city commission resolution is required to submit any ballot question to the county. Staff noted that language can be drafted to set an effective date or to make a charter change effective only if the city is not under state financial oversight. One board member cited language in Resolution 22-008 saying changes would become effective “30 days following the conclusion of the state financial oversight and only if the City of Opelika is not under state financial oversight.” (language shown to the board by staff).

Members raised several implementation questions the board asked staff to research and return with at the next meeting: the annual cost of the proposed salary and benefit changes including insurance; how insurance would interact with any existing employer coverage for individual commissioners; whether the $300 stipend requires receipts or mileage reporting; comparable salaries in nearby municipalities; and whether approved increases would take effect immediately or require budget amendments. The clerk offered to provide the requested cost figures and comparisons at the next meeting.

Board members also discussed election logistics and cost. The clerk said that when the city “piggybacks” on Miami-Dade County’s November election the city’s direct cost is typically in the $5,000–$7,000 range; a stand-alone municipal election would be much more expensive (staff cited a $30,000–$35,000 range for a stand-alone election).

No formal vote was taken on the 2022 resolutions at the Oct. 2 meeting. The board approved the July 24, 2025 minutes earlier in the session by roll call (motion passed 4–0). The board set its next meeting for Nov. 6, 2025 and asked the clerk and city attorney to return with researched figures, possible consolidated language, and comparable-city salary data before the board considers a formal recommendation to the city commission.

Ending

Because the Charter Review Board can only recommend changes, any ballot question would still require a city commission resolution to be submitted to Miami-Dade County. Staff will present detailed cost estimates, insurance cost options, and model language at the board’s next meeting so members can decide whether to formally recommend placement on the 2026 ballot.