Commission requests special meeting on BSO contract after debate over pay increases, vehicle funds

The Cooper City Commission on Sept. 11 directed staff to schedule a special meeting on Sept. 16 to review proposed changes to the city’s contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) after an extended discussion about pay increases, caps and the use of city funds for vehicle purchases.

Commissioner Mallozzi raised concerns about a proposed year‑two increase that staff described as approximately 9%, saying past annual contractual increases had been near 5% and questioning whether the extra funds would reach front‑line deputies. “If a contract was not for lack of a legal term … there’s nothing to say that that contract is going to be followed in the future,” Mallozzi said, citing her concern that funds transferred to BSO could be used for other purposes.

City Manager Erwin described negotiations with BSO and said the agency had offered language capping increases in years three through five at 5% and had proposed a year‑two number that staff continued to seek to clarify. Erwin also said the parties were negotiating language to recognize that vehicles purchased with Cooper City money remain city property: “there is a recognition that that money is ours…that money has been put into the trust fund is Cooper City money,” he said, adding the goal of clearer provisions so funds used to purchase vehicles will be recognized as city assets if the contract ends.

Erwin briefed the commission that BSO had offered to cover overtime for three major city events — Founders Day, Light of Cooper City and National Night Out — which the manager estimated would save the city roughly $60,000–$70,000 in overtime costs. The manager said he planned a follow‑up call with the BSO colonel to refine contract language.

Multiple commissioners asked for more time and information before any final vote. Commissioner Speth recommended that staff and commissioners meet individually with BSO negotiators and proposed that the topic be discussed in a workshop or special meeting; Commissioner Mallozzi moved to schedule a workshop as soon as possible. The commission then agreed by consensus to hold a special meeting on Sept. 16 that would include BSO staff, city negotiators and the public‑safety advisory board so commissioners could hear technical answers before any final action.

Commissioners also discussed contract timing: the current contract term was described in the meeting as expiring on Sept. 30, 2025, and staff said they would bring finalized contracts back to the Sept. 25 commission meeting for approval if negotiations are completed. The manager said he will meet individually with commissioners ahead of the special meeting to address detailed questions.

The commission did not take a formal vote on contract terms at the Sept. 11 hearing; instead it requested additional information and scheduled the special meeting to allow BSO staff to answer technical questions and for the commission to provide direction prior to any final approval.

The special meeting was set by consensus and staff were directed to coordinate schedules with BSO to ensure appropriate representatives can attend.