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Commissioner raises concern about access to police chief before budget vote; mayor points to administrator protocol; hiring events announced
Summary
Commissioner Ward said a request to meet privately with the police chief before the budget vote was denied; the mayor said commissioners should submit written questions to the city administrator. Commissioners also discussed school safety and the city announced police hiring events and a budget hearing date.
Commissioner Ward told the West Palm Beach City Commission on Sept. 2 that a request for a private meeting with the police chief before the city’s budget vote was denied. Ward said the meeting was sought to better understand police staffing and budget needs. “When he first came, we discussed having more open communication... My request was denied,” Ward said, adding she intended to pursue answers in a public forum if necessary.
Mayor (unnamed in the record) responded by reminding commissioners of the city’s administrative protocol: “If you have information you need to make a decision on the budget, feel free to put the question in writing and direct it to the city administrator. That's the protocol. And that option is still open, even before you vote on the budget.” The mayor said staff would provide prompt answers through the city administrator.
Why it matters: The city’s budget—scheduled for a first public hearing on Sept. 8—allocates significant resources to public safety; commissioners said they want sufficient information from department heads to make informed decisions. Commissioner Ward said she raised the matter out of concern for transparency and to better understand police and fire requests during the budget process.
Other public-safety items and announcements: Commissioners and staff noted recent police and fire recruit graduations and upcoming hiring events. Commissioner Perduzzi and others referenced two police hiring events scheduled for Sept. 17 and Sept. 24 at the West Palm Beach Fire Station, 700 North Congress Avenue. Commissioner Ward and Commissioner Baduze also addressed school safety in light of a recent shooting elsewhere; both urged nonpartisan attention to prevention and better supports for schools.
Next steps: The commission’s first public hearing on the fiscal 2026 budget is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8, at City Hall. The mayor said commissioners may submit written questions to the city administrator to obtain information before votes; Commissioner Ward said a workshop is planned for October after budget adoption to discuss staffing and department needs.
Ending: The exchange highlighted differing expectations about how commissioners access department leaders for budget deliberations; the mayor reiterated the written-question protocol and staff commitment to provide answers promptly.
