Pompano Beach Extends BSO Contract Amid Rising Fire Fees and Costs

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida, USA - Pompano Beach is navigating some significant changes as local officials work to extend its contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO). City Attorney Mark Berman and City Manager Greg Harrison are currently in negotiations with BSO, focusing on a one-year extension of an existing contract that runs through September 30. A verbal agreement has been reached, and all eyes are on the upcoming paperwork to solidify this arrangement.

This extension comes amid rising concerns over public safety costs in the city. Budget Director Joshua Watters has outlined several options regarding the BSO contract, with the city ultimately opting to renew the current deal while sharing the burden of BSO’s salary increases. The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a sizable $65 million allocation for the BSO, which will incorporate the salary hikes that have sparked discussion among local leaders.

Cost Concerns and Fire Fees

Vice Mayor Alison Fournier has confirmed the extension, which will result in an additional cost of $6.6 million to the city. Many Broward County municipalities share similar worries about the rising price tag for BSO law enforcement services, with Deerfield Beach also seeking to cap its contract increases at 5%. To preemptively manage escalating costs, Pompano Beach officials are set to vote on July 22 regarding a firm that will explore the feasibility of re-establishing a city-run police department, a system that hasn’t been in place since 1999.

As part of the financial adjustments, the city is also considering a proposed increase in the residential fire assessment fee by an additional $10 annually. This adjustment would bring the total annual fee to $30, aimed at generating an extra $3 million compared to the current fiscal year’s revenue. Fire Chief Pete McGinnis has revealed plans to begin billing Lauderdale-By-The-Sea at full cost, which aligns with revenue changes in fire services scheduled to start on July 18.

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Overview

The recent budget workshop held by the Pompano Beach City Commission on June 24 sheds light on the city’s financial outlook for the upcoming year. Amid expected revenue growth, the general fund’s projected expenditures and revenues were closely examined. Public safety costs, which dominate more than half of the general fund, are under particular stress due to increased pension contributions and employee compensation adjustments. These factors, coupled with the rising costs of the BSO contract, have stirred a sense of urgency among city officials.

Notably, the contract with BSO is anticipated to increase by $6.6 million as a result of a two-year compensation study. In total, general fund expenditures are projected to rise by approximately $19.2 million. Despite these challenges, the city is optimistic; the operating millage rate will remain unchanged from the previous year, although the aggregate millage rate is set to decrease slightly by 0.7%.

As the city gears up for these upcoming changes, there is clearly something to be said for the need to balance fiscal responsibility with the expectation of high-quality public safety services. While some residents may feel the pinch in their pockets, local leaders are steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that the safety of Pompano Beach is not compromised as budgetary pressures persist.

For those looking for further insights into the ongoing negotiations and budget discussions, New Pelican and Citizen Portal provide detailed coverage of these critical developments.