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Deerfield Beach Delays Decision on BSO Contract After Study Cites Big Savings

Sheriff Gregory Tony challenges the report, offering a two-year extension plus funding for a new review.

Overview

  • City commissioners held off on a vote and set at least a two-week pause after a public presentation of the Center for Public Safety’s analysis.
  • The study projects more than $8 million in annual savings and about $500 million over 20 years if Deerfield Beach runs its own police and fire-rescue services.
  • Projected operating differences include $3.24 million less per year for police and $4.8 million less for fire-rescue under city control.
  • Startup costs are significant, with about $16 million estimated for a new police force and more than $21 million overall when including fire-rescue, according to the mayor.
  • BSO’s contract expired Sept. 30, starting a two-year transition window, and the mayor signaled openness to further analysis with a potential decision target around Jan. 20.