In a move that has sparked both praise and legal scrutiny, Hialeah's interim mayor, Jacqueline García-Roves, has announced the distribution of a $1,000 Christmas bonus for city employees.
Set to be implemented in December, this initiative is poised to benefit around 1,492 workers, including part-time staff. But who exactly is eligible for this bonus, and on what legal grounds is it justified?
According to a memo issued by the mayor on November 18, 2025, the bonus is meant to acknowledge the "hard work, dedication, and commitment" of the city's employees. The bonus will extend to all municipal employees, including part-time workers. However, certain groups are excluded:
The measure, which represents an expenditure of nearly $1.5 million, is reportedly funded by the city's budget surplus, as confirmed by García-Roves' office to the Herald.
This decision comes during a period of political transition. García-Roves, having lost the November 4 municipal election alongside council member Jesús Tundidor, is set to hand over leadership to newly elected mayor Bryan Calvo on January 12. The announcement of the bonus occurred just two weeks after her electoral defeat, seemingly as a final imprint before stepping down.
Previously, García-Roves' administration had proposed a $200 relief payment for homeowners in the city during her campaign, a measure that was turned down by the city council. This rejection highlights ongoing tensions between the mayor's office and the local legislative body, tensions further evident in the current Christmas bonus controversy.
The announcement has ignited a legal debate over the mayor's authority to approve such a significant expenditure without city council approval. Former Hialeah city attorney William Grodnick argues the measure is unlawful under the current city charter.
"It should go to the council as the amount far exceeds $25,000," Grodnick, who served as city attorney from 1998 to 2014, stated. "It's doubly questionable. Previously, holiday bonuses were routine or part of collective bargaining with unions, and they were suspended for 25 years. Suddenly, the Christmas bonus is back. Did they not negotiate with the unions or approach the council? It's suspicious," he added.
The city charter stipulates that the mayor can only approve expenses up to $25,000, with any amount exceeding this requiring council approval. A legal opinion dated October 7, 2025, by current city attorney Rafael Suárez-Rivas, supports this interpretation:
"City Council approval is legally mandatory for any expenditure reasonably exceeding $25,000," Suárez-Rivas noted. However, García-Roves' office contends this rule doesn't apply because the payments are made directly to employees rather than a vendor. "Under our strong mayor system, council approval isn't required for these payments," her office responded to the Herald.
Grodnick sharply disputed this rationale: "That's false," he declared. "Any expenditure of that nature in Hialeah must be approved by the council... If it exceeds $25,000, it requires council approval. If a policy involving $1.5 million is changed, council approval is necessary."
Beyond municipal authority disputes, Grodnick warned the measure might breach state regulations on public employee compensation in Florida: "In Florida, you can't give a bonus without merit," he explained.
"The sum is so large that some employees might receive 20% or 30% of their salary. It's not just a small holiday perk; it seems like an enormous and unlawful bonus, something that shouldn't be done."
Controversy intensifies as previous administrations only granted bonuses as part of union collective agreements, not unilaterally. Former mayor Raúl Martínez recalled that during his tenure, holiday bonuses weren't given without union backing or council approval.
Mayor-elect Bryan Calvo responded cautiously yet clearly: "City employees work hard and deserve this bonus, especially during the holidays. However, things must be done correctly and should be noted, budgeted, and accounted for properly," he stated in a message to the Herald.
The next city council meeting is slated for December 9, coinciding with the runoff election for two council seats. This session will be the last for García-Roves and Tundidor, who have resigned effective January 12 to compete in the elections.
If the Christmas bonus proceeds without council intervention, it not only stands as a final gesture from the outgoing administration but also a potential legal controversy that could mark the beginning of Bryan Calvo's term.