Commissioners seek $3,000 repayment from mayor over travel upgrade
North Miami Beach commissioners requested that Mayor Michael Joseph repay a $3,001.90 business‑class upgrade made for a September 14‑19, 2025 trip to Japan under the city’s Sister Cities program. City records show the reimbursement was issued on December 4, 2025, but an internal review concluded the expense violated Florida law and city travel policy, which require that travel be authorized, necessary, and reasonable.
On April 1, the city sent the mayor a letter demanding repayment within 30 business days, citing that the upgrade had never been approved. The money remained unpaid at the April 21 commission meeting, when Vice Mayor Fortuna Smukler introduced a resolution to reprimand the mayor.
Joseph expressed willingness to repay, stating he had paid out of pocket for the upgrade and had received a later reimbursement after a finance staff member indicated it might qualify. He also warned that repayment would not be deemed an admission of wrongdoing.
Commissioners reiterated that the upgrade was improper and should have been returned immediately. They deferred the reprimand vote pending the mayor’s repayment, which he said he would complete by month‑end.