Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen and two county commissioners are calling for greater transparency from Sheriff Gregory Tony, escalating a months-long dispute over the management of the sheriff’s budget and the use of taxpayer dollars.

Bogen said county leaders are directing the county auditor to investigate how the Broward Sheriff’s Office spends its approximately $870 million budget. The first step will be to request budget documents from the sheriff. If the records are not provided voluntarily, county officials say they may pursue legal action to obtain them.

“The people of Broward County need to know how their taxpayer dollars are being spent,” Bogen said.

“If there is nothing to hide, then there shouldn’t be a problem,” he added.

Bogen accused Tony of failing to cooperate with county officials and questioned why the sheriff’s office had not provided the information commissioners are seeking.

“What is he hiding? Why won’t he cooperate? Why won’t he give us the information that the taxpayers deserve?” Bogen said. “We want accountability. We want transparency, and we want to make sure the
money is being spent appropriately.”

The mayor also raised questions about the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s new training facility, which county leaders say cost $40 million more to build than originally scheduled. Bogen questioned whether the facility included amenities such as a massage table, sauna, spa and cold plunge.

The dispute extends beyond the budget. Earlier this week, commissioners decided to explore whether the county should regain control of the 911 call center and move other responsibilities, including airport, seaport and fire services, out of the sheriff’s office.

Union leaders say the ongoing conflict is affecting firefighters.

“They want to get away from all this stranglehold turmoil, and they’re very afraid to speak because they’re being intimidated,” said Walter Dix, vice president of the International Association of Firefighters.

Dix also said the sheriff recently placed union officers under investigation by internal affairs.

Commissioners Lamar Fisher and Michael Udine also called for greater cooperation between county government and the sheriff’s office.

“How do you manage accountability and transparency when you’re not even engaged with us? That’s the $64 question. Ask him,” Fisher said.

“Let’s be truthful, let’s bring the facts out, and let’s sit down and work this out together for the benefit of the public and for public safety,” Udine said.

Bogen also criticized videos Tony has posted on social media, alleging that they misrepresent the facts surrounding the dispute.

“He’s not being truthful, honest to the taxpayers of Broward County,” Bogen said.

In a social media video posted Friday, Tony called the commissioners liars and referenced a 72-page audit report, as well as a previous controversy involving shower curtains.

Tony said he plans to release the auditor’s report publicly so residents can review it.

Meanwhile, Bogen said he plans to seek access to the sheriff’s office training facility on Monday to examine the building firsthand.