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Police union warns of departures; council schedules follow-up with city manager
Summary
Logan Edwards, representing the Police Benevolent Association, told Palm Beach Gardens council that 14 officers left in the past 16 months and urged action on retention. Council members recommended a meeting with City Manager Ferris to explore responses; no formal legislative action was taken.
Logan Edwards, speaking for the Police Benevolent Association, told the City Council that “in the past 16 months, 14 officers have left the department,” and attributed departures to neighboring agencies offering stronger pensions and mobility options. He urged the council and city leadership to address retention and morale to keep the community safe.
Mayor Middleton and other council members acknowledged the concerns and recommended follow-up. The mayor said the departures signal “a loss of confidence in leadership” and called for further discussion with city staff rather than an immediate council directive. Council members suggested that the PBA Executive Board meet with City Manager Ferris; Ferris agreed to meet with union representatives to explore solutions.
The council did not take a formal vote on policy changes or personnel actions during the meeting. Council members framed the next step as a working meeting between the PBA and city management to identify factors driving departures and potential remedies. The PBA indicated it is prepared to meet and work with the city on retention strategies.
Why this matters: Council members said stable officer retention strengthens community trust and institutional knowledge in the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department. The issue will return to the agenda for staff-level follow-up; the council did not adopt any new pension or benefits changes at this meeting.
