On the eve of a crucial budget hearing, high level City of Tallahassee officials requested a meeting with police union members (PBA) to seek their public endorsement of the proposed 27% increase in property taxes.
Sources tell TR that the PBA, after the meeting, declined to publicly endorse the tax increase, and instead, will remain neutral on the subject of the increase.
The Chief of Police, Michael DeLeo, recently endorsed the 27% increase in property taxes.
The City was represented at the meeting by Assistant City Mangers Rick Fernandez, Dee Crumpler, and budget officials, Raoul Lavin and Heath Beach.
City Manager Anita Favors-Thompson did not attend the meeting.
TR confirmed with sources that City officials, in seeking a public endorsement, told the police union members in attendance that over 80% of the proposed tax increase was going to public safety.
Police union members questioned the officials and decided against an endorsement.
This is what happens when history and government majors run something financial.