Tamarac ratifies payments for Caribbean heritage concert after public criticism over costs

The Tamarac City Commission on Aug. 27 ratified payments to Rhythms Marketing for the city’s Caribbean Heritage concert, approving a late invoice that brought the vendor’s final bill to about $65,362. The vote to ratify the prior purchase was 5-0.

The ratification addressed supplier invoices for the “Yard on the Lawn”/Caribbean Heritage event; the contract on file lists a total vendor payment of $62,160 plus additional charges of $3,203 that needed formal commission ratification. The city manager and parks staff told the commission the payments followed a turnkey agreement with Rhythms Marketing to secure talent, production and related services.

The item drew multiple members of the public to the podium to complain about the event’s overall cost. Resident Kate Johnson questioned the total cost for the concert and related promotional expenses and said she intended to request the city’s full accounting. Another resident, Mona Perlman, said the city should prioritize public safety and other resident needs over expensive entertainment.

Commissioners pressed staff on details. Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Petrone said the event had originally been budgeted at $20,000 when planned as a smaller “Groove on the Grass” series, but the commission later agreed to a larger, Colony West–based concert with a higher budget and artist fees. City Manager Mustafa Alassam described the arrangement as a turnkey vendor contract: “They provide a turnkey package and we look at the bottom line,” he told the commission, adding that delays and market price changes (for airfare and hotels) increased some line items between negotiation and performance.

Commissioners asked for more documentation. Commissioner Marlon Bolton and others requested invoices for flights, ground transportation and hotel rooms itemized by line to clarify why some line items rose after the event. Finance staff said the city received invoices after the event and that staff had processed them; the commission’s ratification covered a payment amount slightly above the city manager’s administrative threshold.

The commission’s approval clears the vendor payment. Commissioners also asked staff to bring fuller backup and invoices to the record in future items so the public and commissioners can see the supporting bills and avoid similar surprise charges.

The discussion took place during the Aug. 27 commission meeting. Public speakers included Kate Johnson and Mona Perlman; staff presenters included Parks Director Melissa Petrone and City Manager Mustafa Alassam.

Ending: Commissioners approved the ratification but directed staff to provide fuller documentation and line-item backup for any future large entertainment purchases and to consider improved procurement and disclosure for next year’s events.