Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeri Beth Cohen threw another curve in court today. After showing the proceedings in two Florida Supreme Court hearings on video in the courtroom, Cohen said she’s decided to hold off on ruling on the referendum portion of auto dealer Norman Braman’s lawsuit, until the court rules in those cases. The two cases deal with the issue of using property tax dollars to pay off bonds on public projects long term without a public vote. Cohen said she believes the “spirit” of the cases applies to the issue she’s considering in the Braman case: whether a public vote is required on the use of property tax dollars generated in Miami’s Community Redevelopment Agency districts – meant to improve impoverished neighborhoods -- to pay off bonds on Miami projects, including debt on the performing arts center. The $515 million Marlins ballpark is tied to the $3 billion in Miami projects – at least on paper – because the financing plan for the projects says use of the property tax money will free up hotel bed tax dollars for the ballpark. Whether the ballpark financing would be up for a vote is up for debate, since it doesn’t rely on property tax dollars (other than $50 million in general obligation bond funding that was already the subject of a referendum). Braman wants the public to vote on all the projects. It’s unclear when the Supreme Court may rule. It’s on recess until next month and isn’t expected to issue a ruling bef ...
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