Miami-Dade commissioners unanimously passed a record $6.8 billion county budget, lowering the property taxes and raising water and sewer fees.

Despite the rate decrease, most residents can still expect their taxes to go up slightly because of skyrocketing property values.

The county has benefited greatly from the real estate boom, getting an additional $192.4 million in its general operating fund.

Among the top programs receiving more money than last year:

• $36.3 million for employee merit increases
• $33.4 million for cost-of-living salary adjustments
• an additional $18 million for Jackson Memorial Hospital
• an additional $2 million for new parks programs

There are two new fire stations and two libraries in the works. The government also has a launched a new 311 phone center for residents to navigate county bureaucracy more easily.

Via: BlackEnterprise