It’s Your Money, North Miami
Mary Estimé-Irvin Collected a Car Allowance While Using a North Miami City Vehicle
City of North Miami payroll records show that Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin was receiving a $250 monthly car allowance while also using a City vehicle.
The car allowance was not simply an amount listed in a City budget. It was actually paid to her through payroll.
Three 2024 pay stubs document the payments:
- June 6, 2024 — Check #462347: $250 “Car Allow.”
- July 3, 2024 — Check #464460: $250 “Car Allow.”
- August 8, 2024 — Check #467196: $250 “Car Allow.”
The August 8 pay stub shows $6,492.50 in council salary, a $1,250 allowance, the $250 car allowance, and a $100 cell allowance. It also reports $70,993.80 in taxable calendar year-to-date earnings. Mary Estime-Irvin Ck 8.8.2024
Taxpayers Were Paying for Both
The accompanying records document that Estimé-Irvin was also using a City vehicle during the same period.
Under the City’s arrangement, the elected official had a choice between the vehicle allowance and an assigned City vehicle—not both. Estimé-Irvin was receiving the car allowance in her paycheck while also using the City vehicle.
That means taxpayers were paying for both the City-provided vehicle and a monthly vehicle allowance.
This Is Why Financial Controls Matter
The amount shown on these paychecks is $250 per month, but the larger issue is accountability for public money.
Payroll controls should prevent an elected official from receiving a vehicle allowance when that official has elected to use a City vehicle. The records show that did not happen here.
The supporting payroll and vehicle records are available alongside this article so residents can examine the documentation themselves.
It’s your money, North Miami. You have a right to know how it is being spent.
