A long-simmering dispute over water rates between North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens boiled over during the City of Miami Gardens regular council meeting on Sept. 24, as North Miami Beach Mayor Michael Joseph and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert presented sharply opposing views on a controversial water surcharge.
Mayor Joseph appeared before the council to promote the recently passed NMB Water Relief Act, which offers discounts to residents who receive water service from North Miami Beach — including many in Miami Gardens.
“A 10% discount on water bills — up to $100 per year — for customers with property exemptions such as seniors, disabled veterans and widows,” Mayor Joseph announced. “And a $50 credit for those who sign up for automatic bill pay.”
Mayor Joseph said the program is part of an effort to build unity between the neighboring cities, stating that the two communities are “united by the people we serve and share.”
But Gilbert, who spoke after Joseph had left the chamber, criticized the discount and the broader billing structure. He pointedly noted the mayor’s early departure, saying: “Did the mayor stay for this? Oh, that’s just tragic.”
Gilbert argued that Miami Gardens residents are unfairly burdened by a 20% surcharge on their water bills, and that the charge violates state law unless a formal agreement between the cities exists.
“They’re offering you back $150 of your own money — while taking about $4 million a year from Miami Gardens residents,” Commissioner Gilbert said. “The law says if they’re going to provide water outside their city, they need an agreement. They don’t have one.”
He also connected the surcharge to economic development challenges in Miami Gardens.
“When restaurants try to open in Miami Gardens, the cost of doing business is too high because of this surcharge,” he said. “People are paying more for water that comes from a plant across the street. That’s an abomination.”
Gilbert urged both council members and residents to hold leaders accountable.
“Don’t tell me how much you love me — tell me how you vote when we’re paying hundreds more on our water bills,” he said.
The commissioner backs a proposed Miami-Dade County ordinance that would require North Miami Beach to comply with existing state law and end the surcharge unless a formal agreement is established.
On Oct. 9, Miami Gardens residents—wearing themed blue shirts that read “Don’t Tax Our Tap!”—waited patiently to hear the outcome of the ordinance (Agenda Item No. 7A), a proposal concerning water and sewer regulation brought before the County Commission by Commissioner Gilbert.
During his remarks, Commissioner Gilbert noted that discussions around the county’s water rate have spanned more than a decade, referencing multiple elected officials who previously attempted to reach an agreement.
“Commissioner [Rene] Garcia, Commissioner [Roberto J.] Gonzalez — when they say there has to be transparency, the transparency and accountability are already written into the statute. It’s statute 180.119. It requires an agreement between the cities — that’s what the law says right now,” Gilbert said in an Instagram video captured by Hy Lo News.
Commissioner Marleine Bastien recommended a deferral and a sunshine meeting to allow both cities to engage in further dialogue. Drawing on a personal memory of his mother seeking help to pay the water bill, Commissioner Gilbert stressed the real-life impact of the issue on Miami Gardens families. He affirmed his willingness to continue discussions after passage of the ordinance but reiterated the importance of advancing the item without further delay.
The commission ultimately voted to pass the item, approving the motion in a 9–3 vote.
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