Broward sheriff suspends budget talks as county mayor demands audit
Key Points(5)
- Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen ripped into Sheriff Gregory Tony on Tuesday, accusing the top law enforcement official of grandstanding, bullying and hiding behind “ridiculous, disparaging videos” instead of having an honest dialogue about spending.
- The unusually harsh rhetoric came a day after Tony announced he was suspending budget negotiations with the commission while the county faces scrutiny from the statewide prosecutor’s office.
- Prosecutors haven’t specified a reason for an investigation, though subpoenas issued last month show their review includes looking into the county’s contracts with a consultant for law enforcement studies at the airport and seaport.
- The sheriff on Monday announced he was suspending budget negotiations with county leaders, saying any such discussion would not be “prudent.” He was not at the county meeting Tuesday.
- Bogen said the budget negotiations ended weeks ago when the county passed a budget.
Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony has suspended discretionary budget negotiations with county commissioners, citing an ongoing state investigation into members of the Broward County Commission and county government.
Tony announced the decision Monday, saying it would not be prudent for him or his staff to engage in budget negotiations with commissioners while the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution investigation remains active.
The move drew a sharp response Tuesday from Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen, who accused Tony of grandstanding and bullying county officials and challenged the sheriff to allow an audit of the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s roughly $850 million budget.
“We already passed the budget, so I don’t know what you’re suspending,” Bogen said during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting.
Bogen said the county’s budget negotiations had effectively ended when commissioners approved the new budget.
He also challenged Tony’s call for “stable government, responsible stewardship of public resources, fairness, and accountability.”
“I certainly agree that we do,” Bogen said. “So let us audit your budget, sheriff.”
Bogen repeatedly called for an audit of the sheriff’s budget, saying the sheriff’s office should not be exempt from scrutiny.
“If you believe in accountability, let us audit your $850 million budget so we can have accountability to the people of Broward County,” Bogen said. “We need to audit your budget so you’re not above scrutiny.”
Tony said in his statement that he was not making any judgment about the outcome of the state investigation and would not discuss investigative details.
“The Statewide Prosecutor must be able to conduct this work, and every person is entitled to due process,” Tony said.
He said the decision to suspend negotiations was intended to protect residents from “unnecessary disruption, uncertainty, or questions about whether budget discussions could be influenced by the investigation.”
Tony said the sheriff’s office would continue to meet its legal responsibilities in the budget process, provide information required by law and maintain essential public-safety services.
“Any required budget matters should proceed through formal, transparent channels so that county services, employees, and residents are not adversely affected,” he said.
Dispute over communication
Bogen also criticized Tony for not appearing before the County Commission personally in recent months.
Tony has not appeared before commissioners since May and has instead used videos posted to the sheriff’s office’s social media accounts to address disputes involving the county and his agency.
“Stop bullying us,” Bogen said Tuesday. “Stop doing your ridiculous, disparaging videos. Be professional and come and talk like a professional.”
“As far as I’m concerned, sheriff, you’re not negotiating, you’re not showing up to meetings,” Bogen added.
The dispute comes as commissioners move forward with a plan that could ultimately result in the county taking over 911 services from the sheriff’s office by next October.
The commission voted unanimously Tuesday to begin the process. Some commissioners had initially questioned moving forward without additional study, but Bogen said the process would include an examination of the proposed change.
The sheriff’s office’s budget also came under scrutiny from other commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting.
Commissioner Michael Udine questioned spending decisions within BSO.
“The sheriff is not the one building spas and guided toilets and workout centers, that’s coming from leadership in the sheriff’s office,” Udine said.
Tony said BSO would continue to serve Broward County while respecting the state investigation.
“No public office is above scrutiny, and no one should use public resources or official negotiations to shield anyone from legitimate examination,” Tony said.
The sheriff added that BSO would continue working to ensure county government remains focused on the “safety, security, and well-being” of residents.
