Photo: CBS 12
The Boynton Beach City Commission had their first discussions about a potential merger with the Sheriff's Office.
PBSO last month submitted its proposal to take over law enforcement in the city after leaders requested it. But one commissioner at this week's meeting attempted to bring a vote to end merger talks altogether.
"I'm ready to make a motion that we stop all negotiations once and for all with PBSO."
Woodrow Hay isn't happy that the Sheriff's Office doesn't have deputies fitted with body cameras. That's a project that is underway, but not completed.
"This document to me has no substance. No body cams. To me that is a showstopper."
Several members of the community showed up at the meeting and voiced their opposition to the merger.
Mayor Ty Penserga, one of the commission members who requested the proposal, conceded that it was lacking.
"We all saw that proposal and there was hardly enough information in there."
But Hay's motion to end talks immediately was not seconded, so the discussions will continue and may involve the sheriff speaking to the commission to give more clarification on the more than $42 million a year proposal.
Meanwhile, the City of Boynton Beach has named its new police chief.
Interim City Manager Jim Stables has appointed Joseph DeGiulio as the Chief of Police. He's been serving as interim police chief since the former interim chief, Vanessa Snow, resigned in May.
DeGiulio has been with the agency since 2001 and was assistant police chief for the department's uniform services division prior to his earlier appointment a few months ago.
The city also has chosen a new leader for its fire rescue department. Stables appointing Hugh Bruder as the Fire Chief.
He joined Boynton Beach Fire Rescue in 2020 and served as Deputy Fire Chief before being named Interim Chief earlier this year.