Dade Voters To Decide On New Courthouse This November

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - This November voters in Miami-Dade will decide if the county can raise property taxes to finance a new courthouse.

Last week the county's commission voted to put the question on this year's general election ballot. If it passes, the commission would gain authority to raise taxes so the county could borrow $393 million for a new courthouse for lawsuits and other civil matters. Criminal cases are heard in a separate building.

The current courthouse, which was completed in 1928, has a number of problems including water leaks, mold and structural issues.

At 360 feet, the downtown Miami building was for years Florida's tallest. It is designated as a historic structure so it cannot be demolished. A replacement courthouse would be located elsewhere.

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