OIG (Office Inspector General) Audits WPB Travel
OIG (Office Inspector General) Audits WPB Travel
On September 26,2019 I attended the I.A. (Internal Audit) quarterly meeting to discover the OIG audited the City’s “Travel” and “Manatee” Program.
This story will focus of the findings of the OIG report on Travel audit.
First a little information on the OIG which is led by John Carey, a man who’s expertise and experience, if I listed it all would be a story in itself. The OIG is responsible for investigating waste, fraud and abuse. The 29 page report was definitely an eye opener and I point out what I consider the most damaging to the city. At the end of the story you will find 2 website addresses for the OIG. The first will take you to the Official web site the 2nd. will provide the report on travel audit.
Please take the time to read the entire report and while your doing so keep in mind the City Commissioners oversees the City I.A. Dept.
First we need to understand the procedure for “signing off” on travel expenses submitted by the city employee who traveled supposedly for city business.
Previously when I requested a PRR for travel expenses the person approving the expenditure was either. Jeff Green, City Administrator or Dorritt Miller, Assistant City Manager who is no longer employed by the city.
Here are some of the figures reported and can be found on page 25 and the report contains either “Questioned Costs” “Identified Costs” “Avoidable Costs”
Questioned Costs
Finding /Descriptions / Questioned Costs
1 Purchasing Card Violations $ 777,396.56
2 Travel Policy Non-compliance $ 570.34
2 Lack of Travel Expense Report $ 23,450.24
3 Lack of Documentation for Discretionary
Fund Expenditures $ 1,400.00
5 Former employee Travel Expenditures $ 1,132.20
Total Questioned Costs $ 803,949.34
Identified Costs
Finding / Descriptions/ Identified Costs
2 Travel Policy non-compliance. $ 491.03
4 Non-compliant mileage reimbursement. $168.01
1 Expenses paid for ineligible expenses (tips
and gratuities.) $ 135.59
1 Expenses paid for potential improper charges. $ 242.52
1 Booking fee, late fee, double payment for
hotel room. $ 353.45
1 Sales tax paid in error. $ 5,113.21
Total Identified Costs. $ 6,503.81
Avoidable Costs
Finding /Description /Avoidable Costs
1 Lost discounts, upgrades, taxes, fees, tips and
gratuities, and potential improper charges. $ 20,561.00
2 Potential travel cost savings. $ 661.00
Total Avoidable Costs. $ 21,222.00
When the OIG finished the audit it made recommendations to the city and can be read on page 8
Management Response Summary: Listed on page 9
City’s Travel Policy: Can be read on page 9 through 13.
The city will “consider” recommendations made by the OIG throughout the report.
OIG official website can be used to view audits and file complaints. http://www.pbcgov.com/oig/
Audit Report
2019-A-0010
City of West Palm Beach Travel
Sept. 9,2019
Can be read here: http://www.pbcgov.com/oig/reports.htm
In closing the City’s IA Dept. discusses the city’s Internal Auditor’s report with questions from the 4 members on the committee and receives answers from City Administrator Jeff Green, City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg and the manager/director of the dept. that was audited.
These meetings basically run 2-21/2 hours.
This meeting on the OIG report ran ½ hour. Another resident who joins me at the meeting looked at me with surprise and said “It’s over?” My response: “No, it can’t be” as we sat there with every one filing out of the room. I understand why the audit wasn’t discussed. Had to be there.
No Show Commissioners Didn’t Fool Public
9/27/2019 @ 10:00AM
I attended the court hearing where Giddens Security attempted a temporary injunction to stop the no bid contract to PSC Security.
Long story short the court refused the injunction, and the city won. Gidden representatives held out hope for the “Special City Commission” meeting to be held later in the day.
I felt bad for them knowing there would be no meeting because 3 commissioners would be missing.
Below is an article by the PB Post reporter Tony Doris, which reads in part.
“After uproar, West Palm commission to revisit decision to award $8 million no-bid contract. Two commissioners request special meeting for Friday.” The 2 commissioners were Neering and Ryles.
Read the entire story below.
9/27/2019 @ 2:00PM
Myself, along with 20-25 residents attended the City Commission meeting, filled out comment cards while James, Neering, Ryles, City Administer Green, and City Attorney Rothenberg took to the dais.
At 2:15 I stood and asked James how long he would keep us knowing Lambert, Shoaf and Peduzzi were not going to show.
A few minutes later James, a Harvard graduate attorney and 8 year sitting commissioner asked Rothenberg what the procedure was.
Her response was there wasn’t enough commissioners for a quorum so there would be no meeting. Well played by the city.
Residents knew there wouldn’t be a quorum the day the meeting was posted. What we don’t know is if the commissioners drew straws to see who wouldn’t attend,and who would ask for the meeting.
Below is the agenda, which reads in part: “Resolution No. 328-19 canceling the Security Services Agreement with Professional Security Consultants to provide security services for City facilities and in Northwood.” Read the agenda below. It’s really laughable.
PB Post reporter Tony Doris story “No bid contract stands”
Picture of no show commissioners. James in the center, missing Shoaf, Ryles, City Administrator Jeff Green (click on picture to enlarge) and look how relaxed Green is. Very laid back man at commission meetings or having a beer with Willis Perez of PSC Securities at the Blue Martini.
Below is a video of Lambert with husband Monty an employee of WGI. Notice WGI company car. They are on So. Flagler Dr. the day after Lambert and Shoaf voted to pass, against the communities wishes, to build bike lanes and narrow the streets. Have to wonder what concern it is to WGI for bike lane and narrow streets. I bet this project is over a million dollars. Does WGI have that contract? Does WGI pull the heart strings of James and at least one Commissioner? How did Lambert explain pulling her vote after accepting an invitation from the neighborhood residents? Does it affect WGI and Monty?
Curious minds want to know, but don’t wait for a response.
Wondering where you heard the name WGI before? Wonder no more.
“State Ethics Commission OKs probable cause hearing in complaint that West Palm Mayor Keith James has conflict of interest voting for his landlord’s company.” Read the story below.
PRR, Bank Loan & Gideon Security
Below is my request for PRR for Jeff Green, City Administrator.
From: Sandy Matkivich <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2019 8:39 AM
To: CityClerk <[email protected]>
Subject: PRR Jeff Green
I am requesting City Administrator Jeff Green’s annual salary along with what benefits he receives, and please include any monies he has been reimburse from the city.
I am looking for the entire year of 2018 and 2019 from 1/1 2019 until 9/20/2019
Please acknowledge request received.
Sandy Matkivich
I received a quick response from the city, and imagine my surprise when I was given these figures.
2017-2018 2018-2019
112.13946 115.50364
Read for yourself the city’s response below, and check out staff’s benefits, courtesy of taxpayers.
Jeff Green annual salary is $220,000.00/ year. He misled by $104,496.36.
When I reported this James looked down the dais and Green sat there with a smile on his face.
A PRR is a joke to Green who has misled lied about other requests I have made, like how much the city collected from the fire fee and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) He lied by millions on both requests.
I want readers to take a PRR seriously. Here is a story on the front page of the PB Post on 9/24/19 “County wants to keep records private. Officials want 10 exemptions to public scrutiny; Media attorney’s raise alarm.”
Here’s the con on this. Get this on the book, and then add on the exemptions and lets include city and state.
Switching gears.
At the City Commission held 9/23/19 Item #11 was pulled. It read: Resolution No.308-19 authorizing settlement of of several lawsuits related to the Waterview Towers Condidominium, Inc; and several individual owners, Leisure Resorts, LLC; Palm Harbor Hotel,LLC; and the city related to development of the upland parcel at Palm Harbor Marina.
In my opinion the City Commissiones had this item pulled, and if true they did the right thing. No free land to developers.
Item #15: “Resolution No. 314-19 and 315-19(F) authorizing the issuance of a Special Obligation Note for a loan in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000 from STI Institutional & Government,Inc. to fund various identified projects”
The city is borrowing 20 million from SunTrust Bank.
After leaving the meeting I noticed Item 8 which reads:Resolution No 303-19 waiving a potential conflict of interest relating to Holland and Knight’s representation of SunTrust Banks, Inc. in connection with a loan to the city. Motion passed. Holland and Knight represents the city of WPB as Federal Lobbyists.
This could be completely innocent but I mistrust city officals and wonder if there is more to this conflict of interest.
The city lists 24 capital improvements it wants to make.
What is missing from the list is any mention of the roads on and around North Flagler Dr. that continually flood, and have for the last 40 years.
What surprised me is (4) Fire Dept. EMS vehicle and (3) Fire Dept.Pumpers. Ask your self Why did the Mayor and Commissioners double the Fire Fee from $50.00 to $100.00 if a bank loan will purchase these 7 unit’s?
When Commissioner James voted for development he always softened the blow by declaring he was going to insist that minorities were given a chance. Let’s see if he meant that.
As you remember a no bid contract was recently awarded to PSC Security with a $8.5 million contract.
Gideon Security, who patrolled certain area’s of the city was not allowed to bid on the contract.
Approxamately 12-15 members of Gideon showed up, in uniform, to request the city re-consider their vote and open the process to bidding. Most speakers made a simple statement using little time, while some were running over the 3 minutes and James stopped them in their tracks.
My heart ached for one woman who tried not to cry when she said she would not have a job at the end of the month.
James responded at the end to the people “trying to pull on their heart strings” and it was “disingenuous” of them.
Webster Dictionary: disingenuous “not candid or sincere.” Really, what the hell did he hear when people were pleading for their jobs?
To the question above: Let’s see if he meant that.
All people who pled for their jobs—-all looked like him.
Where PSC got it’s start in WPB. Former Mayor Lois Frankel with Willie Perez. They look really close, don’t they.
No Bid Contracts WPB
This story began in 2010 with Mayor Lois Frankel’s 2nd. term as Mayor of WPB, and continues 9 years later.
Let’s start with the City Commission meeting held on 9/9/2019 with item #11 on the agenda.
#11 Resolution No. 290-19 approving a Security Services Agreement with Professional Security Corporation to provide security services for all City facilities and roving services in Northwood.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING A SECURITY SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH PROFESSIONAL SECURITY CORPORATION TO PROVIDE SECURITY SERVICES FOR CITY FACILITIES AND ROVING SECURITY IN NORTHWOOD; WAIVING THE PROCUREMENT ORDINANCES approval for contracts in excess of $50,000 that have not been competitively selected. Section 66-94 of the Procurement Code requires Commission The waiver of the procurement code requirements are necessary to avoid confusion and gaps in responsibility resulting from different security firms serving the downtown street environment.
The City wishes to engage the firm to provide security for the following City facilities, and roving security services in Northwood: City Center, including City Hall, Photographic Museum building, City Plaza -Mandel Public Library -City Parking Garages, including City Center Garage, Clematis Garage, Banyan Garage, Evernia Garage, Sapodilla Garage. -City Municipal Complex -Water Treatment Plant -East Central Region Water Reclamation Facility (Wastewater Plant) Currie Park -City Parks and Youth Empowerment Centers.
What this is all about is making the contract a no bid contract. In other words no other company will be considered, and the contract will be awarded to PSC for 3 years with a possible 2 year extension.
The vote was unanimous and if you have the courage you can view the meeting below.
https://vimeo.com/channels/781232
Below is the contract, and here are the highlights.
for the first year of this Agreement shall be One Million Five Hundred Eighty-Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-Nine and 10/100 Dollars ($1,583,759.10).
$1,583,759.10 x 3 years= $4,751,277.30
Additional 2 years = $3,167,518.20
5 year total $7,918,795.50 Do you really believe this figure will not increase ?
“The term of the engagement under the Agreement shall commence on October 1, 2019 and shall continue for a term of three (3) years, subject to renewal or termination as provided in this Agreement.
5.2 Renewal. This Agreement may be renewed upon the mutual agreement of City and Contractor for an additional two (2) year term upon the same terms and conditions.” Read PSC contract below.
What did it take to make this no-bid contract happen? City elite politicians having a few drinks with PSC elite and possibly doing business. Read the story below. One picture is worth a thousand.
How much does a Police Officer earn in West Palm Beach? Not enough when you consider how dangerous it is to work in this and other cities.
There goes the fire fund tax money. No new fire trucks and next year it will be the same. Fire Dept. has equipment that needs to be replaced so we must raise the fire fee again.
Here’s where it began.
Posted May 8, 2010 This was during Mayor Lois Frankel 2nd. term. If she had done this in her first term she wouldn’t have seen a second, like Mayor Muoio turning WPB into Copenhagen also her 2nd term. I shudder to think what James will do if re-elected.
“West Palm Beach hires private security for waterfront after denying police raises.”
“When city commissioners on Monday voted to spend $72,000 for a private firm to guard the waterfront, they did so just minutes after denying raises to police.
To the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, the decision to take money from the city’s strained general fund to pay rent-a-guards to walk the docks for a year was a slap in the face to officers who have been protesting the elimination of step raises this year and what they believe is city misspending.
IPC “is here to work with the city, the mayor and the chief,” said Perez-Borroto, who goes by Willie Perez.
Penque said city cops on duty downtown can handle any security breach at the docks, but DDA director Melissa Wohlust argues that dock guards have different responsibilities from police officers.
On top of monitoring for problems, Wohlust said, IPC guards already stationed downtown take newsletters to businesses, hand out umbrellas to people on Clematis Street and give directions. At the waterfront, the IPC guards will greet visitors and help them tie up their boats.
IPC has handled CityPlace security for years but has been gaining work beyond Clematis Street and the waterfront.
Although security guards cannot arrest criminals, their presence deters crime supporters say.
On April 29, Perez – escorting Frankel through the SunFest protest – admits he spat at and lightly head-butted protester Jim Whalen (the same protester who the next day was involved in an argument with Frankel’s son, Ben Lubin, which led to Lubin’s arrest).
Frankel praises Perez for “dedicating his life to the revitalization of downtown West Palm Beach and the Northwood Area” and for “running a very professional organization.”
Perez’s beef with police goes back to 1993 when he was fired as a Miami police officer for filing six false police reports. He admitted to the accusations at the time, saying he hadn’t properly filled out the forms, but he was never charged.
IPC’s waterfront contract was approved by a 3-1 vote of the city commission. Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell was the lone dissenter and Commissioner Jeri Muoio recused herself because her son-in-law works for IPC.”
You have read the highlights I wanted to point out to readers. Read the entire story below.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/article/20100508/NEWS/812034511
1/2016 (BULLDOG) I would recommend subscribing to Bulldog, they are on top of everything.
“Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s endorsement of a private security guard firm whose owner poured $11,000 into her campaign after her support helped him land a sweet, no-bid government contract appears to have run afoul of House ethics rules prohibiting business endorsements.
Ethics principles restrict how members of Congress may interact with commercial enterprises.
“Members and staff must avoid becoming too closely affiliated with any commercial entity, in order to avoid any appearance that they are accruing benefits by virtue of improper influence exerted from their position in Congress, or are dispensing special favors,” the House Ethics Manual says.
As FloridaBulldog.org reported last month, however, records and interviews show that Rep. Frankel was actively involved last year in pushing a company called Professional Security Consultants (PSC) for the lucrative job of providing a team of unarmed “security ambassadors” to the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to enhance safety with foot and bicycle patrols in places like Riverwalk.
DDA minutes show that Democrat Frankel introduced the company to DDA officials, and later met with a DDA delegation about the matter.
The DDA soon hired PSC without seeking competitive bids. PSC’s contract continues this year with the program’s budget doubled to $200,000 with help from the city.
According to DDA board chairman Michael Weymouth, “Lois spoke highly of the work they had done for the West Palm Beach DDA when she was mayor.”
The company also featured Frankel’s official photograph and endorsement of PSC and its regional boss, Willie Perez, in a PowerPoint marketing pitch to the DDA’s board of directors before its unanimous June 12, 2014 vote to hire PSC without seeking competitive bids.
Frankel herself wrote a “To Whom It May Concern” letter of recommendation for Perez under letterhead that identifies her as “Representative Lois J. Frankel Member of Congress.”
“It was with his guidance and the use of his Security Ambassadors that West Palm Beach saw two important neighborhoods, our downtown and Northwood Village business district, transform from dangerous places to friendly and safe venues,” says Frankel’s Dec. 26, 2013 letter.
Frankel’s letter does not mention PSC by name. Still, the company used it less than a month later as part of its successful competitive bid package to Pompano Beach’s Northwest Community Redevelopment Agency for a $300,000-a-year contract to operate a security ambassadors program there. The contract is for three years, according to CRA records.
CRA director Nguyen Tran said he has never spoken to Frankel and does not recall her being actively involved in events leading up to the contract.
Frankel, whose coastal district stretches south to include downtown Fort Lauderdale, declined to be interviewed.
“She loves Willie, obviously. She recommended him to the Fort Lauderdale DDA because of what he did when she was mayor,” of West Palm Beach, said Lyons. “They called the West Palm Beach DDA who connected them with Willie.
A page from PSC’s PowerPoint marketing presentation to the Fort Lauderdale DDA in June 2014. Rep. Frankel’s office said Monday the congresswoman “had no idea” PSC was using her image or statements to market itself.
DDA executive director Chris Wren said in an interview that the owner of a local security firm inquired about submitting a proposal before PSC was hired, but was told the job would not be bid. Wren said, too, that the board rejected his recommendation that bids be obtained.
The contract with PSC was signed Sept. 30, 2014. Federal records show that one month earlier, PSC founder and owner Moshe Alon, of California, made two donations totaling $4,500 to Lois J. Frankel for Congress. Since then the former Israeli secret service agent and bodyguard for the late Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor gave another $6,400 to Frankel’s campaign in seven contributions – the latest last September.
According to the Code of Ethics for Government Service, House members may help constituents obtain information regarding government contracts and deal with government regulations, but cannot “discriminate unfairly by the dispensing of special favors or privileges to anyone, whether for remuneration or not.”
House rules say members must also “avoid becoming too closely affiliated” with businesses to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
The Fort Lauderdale DDA’s security guard contract isn’t the first government contract involving PSC regional boss Perez to raise questions of favoritism by Rep. Frankel.
In 2010, the Palm Beach Post reported about police union anger toward IPC International, the security guard company where Perez was then regional manager, after city commissioners hired it to guard the city’s waterfront. The paper also reported that Perez was periodically serving “as Mayor Lois Frankel’s bodyguard.”
In an editorial several days later, the paper expressed concern about a “perception of favoritism from Mayor Frankel’s relationship with the security company’s regional manager.
“Mayor Frankel denies that Willie Perez gives her free bodyguard services, accompanying her to events downtown. Instead, she says, he is accompanying her on weekly inspection tours,” the editorial said. “Still the mayor gushes over Mr. Perez’s company, Chicago-based IPC International, and he keeps getting city contracts…to patrol downtown, city hall, the Northwood Business District, Broadway and now the waterfront.”
Universal Protective Service acquired IPC in 2013, and Perez soon went to work for PSC, bringing at least some of those government contracts with him.”
Read the entire story below.
https://www.floridabulldog.org/2016/01/11964/
Keith James actions, in my opinion shows total lack of respect for our Police Department by awarding a contract to PSC. Does he have any intention of replacing the 25 officers who are retiring? If I have a problem I call the police not a security guard who has no arrest powers, but can hand out umbrella’s, give directions and tie a boat to the dock.
Along with promoting city staff and costing taxpayers over a million dollars for 6 employees he has hired a man for $125,000.00/ year to serve as “Dignitary Protection”. Mr. Key’s recently accompanied James to Columbia, SC and that trip cost taxpayers over $1,800.00 dollars for a couple of day’s. Why does James do this? Actually anyone can do it if your drunk with power and have taxpayers money on hand.
Commissioner’s you need to start doing a little investigation on item’s you pass, and forget what “Staff Recommends”. Staff wants what the Mayor wants or they can update their resume. Hopefully you are aware James can’t fire you, but residents can and will.
See the expense report below.
Gregory A Key July 31 – August 03, 2019 (Columbia, Sc.
One picture is worth a thousand words, and I have the picture, but unable to upload due to message “Sorry this file type is not permitted for security reasons.” I will describe it and if you want to view it e-mail me and I will forward it to you. 5 people standing, Keith James, woman may be his wife, Willie Perez, Unknown, and Joe Ianno. It was a Campaign Fundraiser for Keith James for Mayor. The best part of the picture the PSC logo. No wonder I can’t upload it for this story.
One final thought. I wonder if PSC founder and owner Moshe Alon contributed to Keith James campaign fund as he did for Lois Frankel?
North & South Flagler Drive
Let’s start this story with some history concerning North & South Flagler Drive.
There is a section of North Flagler Drive that is prone to flooding between 29th Street and 34th Street. This is the stretch of road that cars are often lost to deep water. The deepest flooding along North Flagler Drive is specifically at 34th Street, 32nd Street, and 31st Street.
Residents have complained about this stretch of road for 40 years. For 40 years they have requested and then begged city leaders for relief. It was not to be. So how many served as mayor for 40 years from 1979-2019? In 1991 residents voted for a “Strong Mayor” form of government of which 5 mayors could have made the difference—they didn’t. Total of 14 previous mayors who decided flooding on North Flagler was not as important as other issues. Below is the list of mayors.
Helen Wilkes 1978 – 1980 (First woman to serve as mayor,) James M. Adams 1980 – 1981, Michael D. Hyman 1981 – 1982, Eva W. Mack 1982 -1984 (First African American mayor,) Dwight Baber 1984 – 1985, Carol Roberts 1985 – 1986, Pat Pepper Schwab 1988 – 1989, James O. Poole 1989 – 1991, John F. “Jeff” Koons 1991 (Served for eight months)
Strong mayor (1991-present)
Nancy M. Graham 1991 – 1999 (First strong mayor,) Joel Daves 1999 – 2003 (Lost re-election.) Lois Frankel 2003 – 2011, Jeri Muoio 2011- 2019, Keith James 2019.
In 40 years there have been countless City Commissioners who along with the mayor’s did nothing. Looking at the commissioners on today’s dais I would guess a couple of them have not reached the age of 40. Think of this. The people who decide our fate weren’t born when residents first reached out for flooding relief. Yes, commissioners that’s how long they have been waiting.
North Flagler Drive is in City commissioner Kelly Shoaf district.
South Flagler Drive is in City Commissioner Christina Lambert district.
Present Day
On the agenda for 8/26/2019 item # 17 concerned South Flagler Drive and the city’s attempt to drastically change it’s appearance with a design which many consider to be dangerous to drivers, pedestrians and bike riders. The last line on the agenda item reads: “Fiscal Note: No fiscal impact.” Really? Below is a story in the Palm Beach Post and their story states “The project is being funded through the recent 1 percent sales tax increase.” So the city is spending tax dollars on the project. How much tax money will this project cost, and with people on South Flagler against the move, wouldn’t the tax money be better spent on North Flagler Drive where for 40 years flooding has impacted peoples lives?
If you can find time to listen to the meeting and hear people’s comments pay attention when Lambert started reading the resolution, and residents had the audacity to show displeasure and James responded with HEY, HEY, HEY, and threatened to clear the room, stating “you had your chance to speak.” Well, you did all of 3 minutes.
Then before the vote he asked commissioners if they had any more questions. Lambert went on for 5 minutes making a statement and I never heard a question. I believe she was attempting to justify the vote she knew was coming. Watch the meeting below.
https://vimeo.com/channels/781232
“Commissioners Neering and Joe Peduzzi voted against the change, while Christina Lambert and Kelly Shoaf voted for it. With Commissioner Richard Ryles absent, Mayor Keith James voted to break the tie, supporting his administration’s project.”
If Commissioner Ryles was absent, why didn’t they continue the item as it held so much importance to so many?
The people who voted in favor of the resolution, James, Shoaf and Lambert could bring it back for re-consideration, and they should.
Why didn’t Commissioner Shoaf fight for the tax dollars for her end of Flagler?
Both ladies are up for re-election, and my concern is they will retain their seat because they will not be challenged.
Controversial bike trail on S. Flagler Drive will narrow lanes, give waterfront street a new look. Read entire story below.
Was doubling the tax fee from $50.00 to $100.00 Necessary?
Former Mayor Muoio and every mayor before her managed to run WPB with a City Administrator and two Assistant City Administrators.
Keith James needs a City Administrator and five Assistant Administrator’s. Here are their names and salaries received from a PRR.
Rick Greene $180,000.0176
Faye Johnson $179,999.9968
Scott Kelly $187,460.00
Christine Brevik $180,000.0176
Armando Fana $180,000.0176
Total $907,460.0496
The figure above does not include City Administrator Jeff Green’s salary which has to be over $200,000.00. So the top six administrators earn more than one million dollars in salaries. How generous is Keith James with tax payer money? Is this where the term “top heavy” in government comes from?
My opinion: I couldn’t believe Scott Kelly’s salary. A man that constantly lies to the public, and has been fired from other cities If he’s not good enough for them, why is he good enough for WPB?
Faye Johnson I could write an entire story on her. Her maiden name was Faye Outlaw and if you take the time to Google her and see the awards she has won and praise she has received for her honesty and integrity, hiring her was the one good thing the city has done.
Below are 2 stories in the Palm Beach Post that relate to the Fire Fee. The excerpts below are from both stories, and my opinion are in italics.
“Rather than raise city tax rate, West Palm Beach commissioners voted Monday to double the fire fee, to $100 for residences.”
“Responding to objections that the regressive fee would hit hardest those who can least afford it, Mayor Keith James pledged to have staff devise a program hardship waiver for the city’s poorest homeowners.”
That lie forgotten soon after leaving his lips. Keith James has no problem with the fire tax, he doesn’t own a home, and never will until all unpaid tax liens are paid.
“Still others complained that the commissioners appeared to have made up their minds in advance, and questioned whether the money would be put toward its stated use.”
Commissioners minds are made up before any vote is taken, how do you think they always land on the same page most times?
“Supporters were few. They included Dennis Grady, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.”
Dennis Grady’s comment was basically the board of directors of the Chamber voted that the city should accept the new $100.00 fee.
What I heard is. 3 commissioners up for re-election (Shoaf, Lambert and Ryles) if you want the Chamber’s support, meaning opening the money spigot, not finding a candidate to challenge you and most important our endorsement, you will pass this increase. Too many to count spoke out against the tax increase. They want to hear from us, but only if we are in agreement with their plans.
“Commissioners acknowledged that the city’s tax rate was among the highest in the county, and said they hoped the administration would hold the line on property taxes, as well.”
We are the highest tax rate @ $8.35 per $1,000.00. Enough said.
“Mayor James agreed, saying he hoped to reduce the property tax rate next year and hold the fire fee steady. “I don’t anticipate an increase in the fire fee next year that I would be in favor of, he said.”
If you believe his statement, I have beautiful ocean front property for sale in Arizona, which I must sell to pay my taxes in WPB. All reasonably offers considered.
Read entire story below.
2nd. story was an Editorial: “Enough with the fire service fee hikes on West Palm residents”
“Which brings us to West Palm Beach. City commissioners, who’ve been blessed with a building boom the last several years, have doubled the city’s annual fire service fee — again — to $100 on homes.”
Bristol Palm Beach smashes city’s condo price record with $18M deal.
Does that mean the owner of the newly purchased condo, and a homeowner owning a $150,000 dollar home both pay $100.00 fire fee?
Well, yes it does. The average taxpayer has alway’s carried the burdon, from the day Jesus overturned the tables on the money changes. That’s why the rich get rich, and the struggling class carry the burden. Why stop now?
“Yes, this is the same regressive fire assessment (a tax by another name) that former Mayor Jeri Muoio and company doubled for homes just last year — from $25 to $50.
Funny, that’s the same argument the city made last year for doubling the fee on homes. What’s to make residents think that the city won’t come back again next year or the year after for another hike “to balance the budget”?
The city’s answer: They can’t promise that won’t happen.”
The paragraph below is from the previous story.
“Mayor James agreed, saying he hoped to reduce the property tax rate next year and hold the fire fee steady. “I don’t anticipate an increase in the fire fee next year that I would be in favor of, he said.”
Was his lips moving when he made that statement? Did he forget what he said a few day’s earlier?
“Second, residents voted overwhelmingly in 2016 for a 10-year, one-cent sales tax increase to pay for long-neglected capital improvement needs — like replacing aging fire engines, and upgrading or replacing fire stations. Which sound suspiciously like the things that the fire fee is supposed to cover.”
Please read the above paragraph once more. This is a great example of why I never vote for any tax increase, and ask my readers to understand what they are voting for when they vote “yes”. Unfortunately the public has a short memory, and believe what politicans promise because they excell on knowing what the public wants to hear.
“West Palm officials should explain in detail why the higher sales tax that voters imposed on themselves along with an expanding base of property tax revenue, is not sufficient for the fire department’s needs.”
I would appreciate the Palm Beach Post explination of why they endorsed Keith James for mayor, when they watched 8 years of James as a City Commissioner.
I cant recall any religious organization endorcing him. What do they know that we didn’t? Read entire story below.