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Loxahatchee Groves pauses sheriff payment, directs staff to protect Redspeed revenues and return refund policy
Summary
Council recorded that a December payment to the sheriff had not been made, discussed alternatives including contracting for Redspeed enforcement, and directed staff to protect Redspeed funds and return with a policy for refunding or using revenue for promised credits; consensus was to withhold payment and pursue negotiations.
Town officials reported that staff had not transmitted the December payment for the sheriff's contract and that PBSO had not yet produced a formal response to the town’s funding concerns. The agenda item covered the broader sheriff/Redspeed enforcement contract — an annual contract that the town acknowledged it cannot sustain at roughly $700,000 per year under current finances.
Counsel and staff reported limited options: PBSO has not given a definitive response on continuing the full contract, but had discussed possible concessions including a roughly 1% contract reduction and administering some Redspeed enforcement without additional charge. Staff also said it had begun outreach to other agencies but found limited alternatives that could immediately replace sheriff services.
Council members discussed the town’s limited budget, noting Redspeed collections to date of roughly $70,000 and the need to preserve those funds for either legal costs or eventual refunds. Several council members argued the town should withhold payment to get PBSO’s attention and to prompt renegotiation. Others urged caution about sparking a legal or public safety response.
Council reached consensus to hold payments (status quo nonpayment) and directed staff to preserve the Redspeed revenues and return at the next meeting with a policy for how any savings or Redspeed proceeds would be used — specifically, a plan to refund or credit taxpayers for amounts the council previously promised when the program was approved. Staff will also continue negotiations with PBSO and Redspeed and explore alternative enforcement options (FHP or other agencies) and the feasibility of contracting Redspeed separately.
Next steps: staff to return with a policy on how Redspeed revenues will be managed and used (including legal-cost contingencies), continue negotiations with PBSO and Redspeed, and report back on potential alternate enforcement partners.
