Lauderdale Lakes Owes BSO Nearly $6 Million

LAUDERDALE LAKES (CBS4) - Lauderdale Lakes has fallen behind on payments to the Broward Sheriff's Office for police and fire services.

Now the sheriff's department wants its money and has contacted the Governor's Office. Lauderdale Lakes is three and months behind on its payments and owes them nearly six million dollars, according to The Sun-Sentinel.

In the letter to the state, BSO General Counsel Judith Levine said they will continue to provide services to the city but "the continued delinquency with its payment obligation for such services is a serious matter."

According to state law, once a city falls more than three months behind on its payments for services, the state can intervene.

Lauderdale Lakes City Manager Anita Taylor said they know they're behind, but the city just doesn't have the money. She said sharply decreased property values combined with major revenue projection errors and a limited commercial base have left them short on funds. Even if they implement some proposed cost cutting measures, Taylor said they would still not have enough to pay off their debt.

The state's Chief Inspector General's Office will evaluate the city's plans to deal with the situation and likely offer technical resources than actual funding.

Source: The Sun-Sentinel