Broward Sheriff’s Office is asked to trim proposed budget that would top $1 billion

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony publicly detailed Tuesday why his agency is seeking a budget that would surpass $1 billion this coming year, presenting “things that are reasonable, things that are necessary” to ensure public safety.

But county commissioners replied they don’t have the money to pay for all of it, and asked his office to work on a revised budget that will be ready for approval this fall.

Among Tony’s requests: $91.6 million for personnel, and $167.7 million for operating expenses, including $24 million for helicopters, which is above the $15 million the county already committed last year. Of that, $9.6 million is for the down payments on an additional helicopters that he already ordered.

Tony also wants jail improvements and a better workspace for deputies assigned to the airport.

Dealing with the issues will “dig us out of the ditch. It’s only going to get deeper,” Tony said. He said he submitted a “strategic plan to dig ourselves out of these issues,” which includes money to pay employees competitively.

He said he’s trying to recruit and retain, but the starting salary for jail deputies is $54,675 — with other counties pay much more; Sarasota starts at $72,882.

“They’re kicking our butt,” Tony said of other agencies.

“People are leaving,” Tony told commissioners, referring to pay concerns. “We can’t keep people here.”

“We’re bleeding out right now. I have 180 vacancies in the Department of Detention. If we stay at this pace we won’t have any detention deputies working here.”

But some county commissioners said they wouldn’t entertain his budget request, saying it was too much at once.

“I don’t think you presented us with a serious budget,” said Commissioner Steve Geller. He said his preference is, “We give you X amount of dollars” and then the sheriff prioritizes how to spend the lump sum.

Geller said Tony’s request would mean a 33% tax increase or cutting other services.

“You know we’re not going to do either,” Geller said. “You know we’re not going to eliminate county government and put all of our money into BSO.”

“You’re a serious guy, give us a serious budget.”

Said Commissioner Beam Furr: “You can’t do this all at once, you just can’t. Look at a five-year plan, a 10-year plan, that’s the way you get things funded.”

Furr said he was distressed by the helicopter funding plans because “we look like the bad guys if we don’t pony that up.”

The agency has three helicopters now, for both the law enforcement and Fire-Rescue wing of the agency.

Families are “having their own issues” and can’t pay for a tax increase, said Mayor Nan Rich.

“We’re going to have live within our means,” she said.

After the meeting, Commissioner Lamar Fisher said he thinks there will be a compromise.

“I feel confident the Sheriff and administration will work together to come back with a budget we can ultimately pass,” he said.

The Broward County Commission is tasked with planning its budget, which will be paid for by property owners in the fall.

In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, the county must fund all its responsibilities including public transportation, Port Everglades, animal care, coroner’s office, affordable housing projects, Inspector General, the elections office, the airport, regional parks, libraries, mosquito spraying and roadwork, the property appraiser’s office and more.

The next year’s recommended fiscal budget will be presented in July and final approval will be in September.

According to records, county commissioners are projected to keep the tax rate the same as last year: $5.66, which means property owners will pay $5.66 for every $1,000 in assessed property. But although the tax rate could stay the same, homeowners would be expected to pay more because of a nearly 9% increase in rising property values.

Lisa J. Huriash can be reached at lhuriash@sunsentinel.com. Follow on X, formerly Twitter, @LisaHuriash