In what borders on the historic, Palm Beach County commissioners unanimously approved a $3.3 million contract with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for security for every commissioner. The decision came on Nov. 4, with little discussion, no justification from staff and orders from the county attorney not to discuss the contract with the media.
In a redacted copy of the contract obtained by Palm Beach Post reporter Mike Diamond, the scope of the work, the number of deputies to be assigned to the detail, and the number of new cars needed to provide security were blacked out. The way the decision came about, along with the clandestine contract is — to put it politely — unprecedented.
What we do know is that the contract is with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw will develop policies and procedures for the deputies working the security details. Those deputies will be entitled to overtime pay. The contract includes a $770,000 one-time payment, and the sheriff is expected to buy 10 new cars for the new detail. County officials may — the operative word here — audit sheriff department records related to the security detail…