By THE PALM BEACH POST
Posted: 8:34 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, 2011

With plummeting property values and a multimillion-dollar deficit looming, Lake Worth can hardly be blamed for looking to save money. But the decision to explore whether to get rid of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office or reduce its presence is a misguided, risky approach.

City Manager Susan Stanton cited the city's bleak financial future Tuesday as she persuaded commissioners to pay a consultant to study cutting back on patrols or reestablishing a city police department. This is not the way to save. Since the sheriff's office began policing in 2008, it has put more officers on the streets, reduced crime and eradicated much of the gang activity in the western neighborhoods. As streets become safer, the downtown entertainment district becomes more attractive to shoppers and diners.


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ByWillie Howard
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Posted: 9:41p.m.Tuesday,Jan.18,2011

LAKE WORTH In an emotional meeting over the cost of law enforcement versus the value of public safety, city commissioners voted Tuesday to hire a consultant to develop options to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Commissioners voted 3-1, with Commissioner Scott Maxwell dissenting, to spend $45,900 to hire Orlando-based Willdan Homeland Solutions to develop law-enforcement options for the budget year that begins in October. Mayor Rene Varela was absent.
The vote came after Office of Management and Budget Director Edwin Fry displayed charts showing that revenues are expected to drop next year and in future years, leaving the city in the position of searching for ways to pay for the sheriff's contract.

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