HomeMy WebLinkAboutPete Borges US DepartmentTo: Pete Borges
US Department of Justice/COPS
From: Janet E. Williams -Brewster for Robert Ruano
City of Miami
Section 6: Need for Federal Assistance (250 words)
Legislation passed in 2008 resulted in a reduction in property taxes for the State of Florida. This
tax reform also created a tax "portability" provision in the sale of residential real estate which
allows a homeowner, upon the sale of his/her home to carry the lower tax assessed value and
apply it to a newly purchased property. This ultimately lowers the actual assessed value of the
newly acquired property. Lower tax assessments have resulted in a decline in tax revenues.
Lower revenues have had a severe effect on the City of Miami's budget causing reductions
across the board for all City Departments including Police. Lower tax revenues and the
Country's current economic crisis have directly impacted the availability of local funds therefore
MPD cannot complete this project without federal funding. This funding will enhance MPD's
ability to reduce and prevent crime during the next critical years in which budget cuts are
imminent. The funds would serve as a bridge during these difficult economic times.
Upgrades to the City of Miami's Photo Lab will augment the investigative and prosecutorial
efforts in Miami's law enforcement community with national crime fighting implications that
extend well beyond South Florida. These upgrades will result in securing the authenticity and
proper storage of photographs as well as support the management of the stored images.
Improvements will substantially reduce the turnaround time of key photographic evidence for
investigation, prosecution and in some instances emergency situations. The funds would serve as
a bridge during these difficult economic times.