PINELLAS COUNTY, Florida — Florida’s DOGE team continues to make audits in local governments across the state.
The team plans to continue those efforts by next week.
What You Need To Know
Florida’s DOGE team continues to make audits in local governments across the state
DOGE letter sent to St. Petersburg, requesting on-site visits next Wednesday and Thursday
Auditors asked about the city’s diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental and homeless initiatives
Members of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration recently sent a letter to St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch, requesting on-site visits next Wednesday and Thursday (Aug. 13-14).
That comes from a seven-page letter that was sent to the mayor and also asked about the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, as well as environmental and homelessness initiatives.
Auditors are asking to speak with city staffers, including the chief equity officer and diversity coordinator.
The letter says the city has seen a 75% increase in property taxes over the last six years while spending went up 50%.
The audit will be led by newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingolgia.
Democratic State Rep. Michele Rayner responded to the letter with a statement saying in part, “This isn’t fiscal oversight, it’s political retaliation. And the cost falls on working families who depend on local services to survive and thrive.”
The government of St. Pete will join those of the City of Gainesville, as well as Orange, Broward, and Manatee counties, as the targets of a Florida DOGE audit.