The cities of Medley and Virginia Gardens held hearings recently in order to solidify their budgets for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. So far, the city councils determined that Medley residents will not see any rise in their tax rate, meanwhile Virginia Gardens residents may see a slight increase.

According to the budget draft, taxes in Virginia Gardens will rise to $4.42 per $1,000 of assessed value per home. Last year's rate was $4.09.

Overall, property values in Virginia Gardens have dropped about 9 percent as of July, according to the Miami-Dade County's property appraiser's office.

At the proposed tax rate, a resident living in a typical Virginia Gardens home valued at $141,619, taking the standard homestead exemption of $50,000, would pay about $406 in taxes, compared with $375 in the previous year.

Mayor Spencer Deno IV and council members said in some cases, taxes may decrease, depending if the value of the property lowered.

In addition, the original budget contained a three percent salary bonus for most city employees. However, once the budget was reviewed at a hearing on Sept. 15, the bonus was taken out.

``We have to be more fiscally responsible more so now than ever before. People are losing jobs and losing their homes,'' Councilwoman Elizabeth Taylor-Martinez said.

Residents in attendance were satisfied with the final draft.

Donald Howard, a 52-year resident, was pleased with the result. Speaking on behalf of his wife, Virginia, Howard said, ``You can feel very proud of the way you've handled the budget. We've talked to a lot of residents and they agree.''

``The good thing is we're not cutting back any jobs and the level of services will remain the same,'' Deno said.

Meanwhile, in Medley, where property values dropped 4.8 percent, the council has proposed a tax rate to $5.65 per $1,000 of assessed value. This is a slight decrease from last year's $5.70.

At the proposed tax rate, a resident living in a typical Medley home valued at $99,460 taking the standard homestead exemption of $50,000, would pay about $276.85 in taxes, compared with $279.30 in the previous year.

They will also continue to enjoy all the same services they had before, according to Medley Finance Director Roy Danziger.

The tax figures of both Virginia Gardens and Medley do not include state or school district taxes among other charges that appear on a tax bill.

Medley is holding two more budget hearings: 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday. Both hearings will be held at 7777 NW 72nd Ave. For information, call 305-887-9541.

Virginia Gardens will hold its final hearing 6 p.m. Thursday at 6498 NW 38th Ter. For information, call 305-871-6104.

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