Pembroke Pines commissioners are in the throes of balancing next year’s fiscal budget, and that means a plethora of town hall meetings for city residents.

The first town hall, hosted by Pembroke Pines Commissioner Jack McCluskey, runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 8 at Pines City Hall, 10100 Pines Blvd.

On the docket are crime prevention updates from the Police Department’s Street Gang Task Force, the renovation of Pines Boulevard from University Drive to the Turnpike and from Sheridan Street to Pines Boulevard. There’ll also be a Powerpoint presentation to residents about staff’s blueprint to revitalize the eastern sector of Pines.

However, McCluskey expects the floundering City Center project, property tax hikes and fire assessment fees to dominate the evening.

“People are most concerned about the messed-up Florida property tax situation right now,” said McCluskey. “If you're a 40-year resident like me, your taxes will increase no matter what because we're protected by the Save Our Homes amendment. But if you're a first time homebuyer, your taxes will likely drop.”

The following evening, City Hall is hosting the first budget hearing at 6 p.m. to discuss the fee increases, followed by a fire fee assessment hearing at 5:45 p.m. Sept. 14.

Meanwhile, Pines Vice-Mayor Angelo Castillo is also hosting a similarly-themed Homeowner's Association meeting from at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Pembroke Pines/FSU Charter Elementary, 601 SW 172 Ave.

For more information, call 954-435-6500, or visit www.ppines.com.