Tamarac commission votes to repeal privatization committee from city code

The Tamarac City Commission on Aug. 27 approved an ordinance removing the city’s Privatization Committee from the municipal code. The ordinance repealed Division 12 of the city’s boards and committees chapter; the motion to repeal passed 3-2.

Supporters of repeal argued the commission — not an appointed advisory committee — should have final authority for privatization policy and decisions. Commissioner Marlon Bolton, who moved the repeal, said the commission ultimately is accountable to voters and retains final authority over any privatization proposals. Opponents said the panel provided an independent review and public transparency and warned that removing it eliminated a public check on proposals to outsource services.

Mayor Michelle Gomez and Commissioner Moray Wright voted against repeal; Commissioners Bolton, Crystal Patterson and Vice Mayor Keisha Daniel voted in favor. City Attorney staff said the commission retains full authority to approve or reject any privatization proposals and that the committee had been rarely activated in recent years.

Ending: The repeal takes effect as an amendment to the city code; commissioners said they would rely on existing boards and commission procedures to review any significant privatization proposals going forward.