By Tao Woolfe
Although a merger with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office was not on the Boynton Beach City Commission’s Aug. 2 agenda, most of the evening’s meeting was spent discussing that topic.
More than 20 members of the audience — both in-person and those viewing from home — spoke out against bringing in PBSO to police the city.
They urged the commissioners to “Say ‘No’ to PBSO” for several reasons, including the sheriff’s refusal to use body and dash cams, refusal to carry Narcan to treat narcotics overdose victims, and generally poor record of dealing with minorities.
The comments were spurred by PBSO’s recent 11-page proposal submitted to the city last week outlining some of the services that would be offered in a merger. The annual estimated cost would be $42 million.
The commissioners agreed that the proposal did not offer enough detail about costs and services.
Commissioner Woodrow Hay, saying “Citizens of Boynton Beach, I hear you,” made a motion that the city immediately cease negotiations with PBSO. But the motion failed because the other commissioners said they needed more information — and community input — before making a decision.
Mayor Ty Penserga asked city staff to present a comparison of services, staff and budget offered by the Boynton Beach Police Department and the PBSO. No date was set for the presentation.
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