Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, has publicly criticized the City of Miami for what he deems excessive and irresponsible budgetary practices. Following a review by the state’s Department of Government Efficiency, Ingoglia stated, “If this was a business, the City of Miami would go bankrupt.” He highlighted significant concerns regarding the city’s general fund, which has expanded disproportionately compared to population growth and inflation rates.
Ingoglia noted that the city blew past reasonable budget expectations by a staggering $94 million, attributing this rise primarily to the decisions made by city leaders. Since 2019, the budget for the City of Miami has surged by over $358 million—an alarming 44% increase in just five years, according to him.
The CFO is on a mission to uncover wasteful spending across different municipalities in Florida, with the goal of advocating for property tax reform and potentially eliminating property taxes altogether. His investigations have led to the discovery of more than $1.1 billion in wasteful expenditures across seven local governments this year, including a review of Broward County’s finances.
In response to Ingoglia’s findings, the City of Miami Commission defended their budget analysis, emphasizing that it oversimplifies complex fiscal realities. They pointed out that the city serves a large population that extends beyond its residential boundaries, as it provides essential services to numerous workers and visitors in the Miami-Dade area. The commission asserted that the city’s financial health is crucial for maintaining vital services and supporting economic stability.
Ingoglia has urged the City of Miami to consider adjustments that would not sacrifice essential services while still providing some measure of property tax relief to residents. This ongoing dialogue between state and local officials highlights the challenges cities face in balancing sound fiscal management with the demands of a growing population and economic landscape.