Commission approves temporary finance contracts as city faces reported $20M shortfall

Facing a reported $20 million shortfall, the North Miami Beach Commission on May 19 authorized temporary contracts and a $150,000 budget transfer to shore up finance operations while the city searches for a permanent CFO and budget administrator.

City Manager Darvin Williams told the commission the finance department has staffing shortfalls — no permanent CFO and an unfilled budget administrator post — and that the city had contracted interim support and a recruitment firm to locate a chief financial officer. "We do not have a finance director," the manager said, explaining the city had retained interim services to perform necessary functions during an active recruitment.

The council approved an expenditure increase and a separate budget transfer to pay for interim finance director and budget administration services. Commissioners pressed for greater transparency: they asked staff to update the online check registry, provide monthly bank reconciliations and produce more timely preliminary budget numbers to support public discussion during the upcoming budget season.

Public commenters earlier in the meeting had flagged fiscal concerns. Resident Karen Harold told the commission she had warned of a "financial slippery slope," claiming the city had a reduced reserve and possible exposure. Commissioners and the manager underscored two near‑term needs: fill the finance leadership vacancies and complete accurate reconciliations so commissioners can make informed decisions during budget season.

The next step is for the manager to continue recruitment, refine the finance department staffing plan and return to the commission with a timeline and updated financial figures during the budget workshops.