August 15, 2022

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has been notified that the City of
Boynton Beach no longer wishes to go forward with discussions about a merger
of their Police Department with the Sheriff’s Office. It is important to understand
the sequence of events that lead to these discussions. First and foremost, the
City contacted the Sheriff’s Office about the merger, at no time did we ask for or
initiate the discussions. During these meetings the parameters of the merger
were laid out as to each Agencies responsibilities so no surprises would be
discovered. Budget information of the Police Department’s budget was
requested, subsequent to these discussions the Sheriff’s Office submitted a
proposal for the merger.

The proposed budget submitted was within the budget requested for next year
for the Police Department. On August 12th the City informed the Sheriff’s Office
they had a substantial pension fund liability that affects the merger. At all times
and in each meeting it was made very clear that at any time the City was not
satisfied with the process they were free to terminate the discussions. The
Sheriff’s Office wishes the City all the best, and will assist them in anyway if
asked to do so. Please contact the Mayor for any additional information on their
decision.

Sincerely,

Ric L. Bradshaw
Sheriff

3228 Gun Club Road  West Palm Beach, Florida 33406-3001  (561) 688-3021  Email: BradshawR@pbso.org