Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony took to social media Monday to voice his frustration with Deerfield Beach City Manager Rodney Brimlow over stalled contract negotiations, accusing the former Broward Sheriff’s Office employee of denying raises to deputies serving the city.
“Because the very same person who is retired, with all the benefits and things that he’s inherited by being a member of this agency, is now saying our first responders in the same community in which he was serving are no longer deserving of this,” Tony said in the video posted online.
At the center of the dispute is Tony’s push for raises for BSO deputies assigned to Deerfield Beach — increases he says are overdue. Mayor Todd Drosky said the sheriff’s request exceeds the 5% increase the city agreed upon.
“The sheriff is asking for more money, and when we ask to justify where those ‘x’ dollars are going, we have not received a response,” said Drosky.
Instead, Drosky said, the city received a termination notice from the sheriff. “His letter to the City of Deerfield Beach is a termination of services effective September 30th,” he said.
Tony also claimed that Brimlow filed a police report against him. “This city manager filed a false police report with [the Florida Department of Law Enforcement] alleging that I have threatened his life, and he’s fearful that I may harm him and his family,” the sheriff said.
The mayor denied a report has been filed but confirmed Brimlow is working remotely. “Based upon the call, the roll call that the sheriff had, that [the city manager] has elected to work remote for the time being,” Drosky said.
In his video, Tony played audio from a roll call meeting and blamed Brimlow for the lack of a deal. “He’s saying none of you deserve it. There’s no [expletive] tap dancing around it; that’s what he’s telling you guys,” Tony told deputies.
He went on to say he would not back down. “I don’t give a damn who’s friends with him and wanna take it back to him, let him know I’m coming, I’m absolutely coming, I’m absolutely coming,” he said.
Drosky criticized the tone of the sheriff’s message. “It’s very disappointing to hear that language from the sheriff, again, when we’re trying to put a marriage together. That’s terminology that I would not use,” the mayor said.
If the two sides fail to reach a new agreement, a two-year transition period will allow BSO to continue providing services while Deerfield Beach explores other options — including creating its own police department.
