The state appointees want to read all communications regarding \u201cso-called anti-racism<\/a>\u201d efforts since Jan. 1, 2019. DOGE defines DEI as \u201cany form of preferential treatment based on race, ethnicity, gender or the like, including the use of substitutes such as \u2018cultural competence\u2019 or \u2018lived experience\u2019 to conceal such preferential treatment.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Mayor Ken Welch said Monday that the city will \u201cfully cooperate\u201d with DOGE. Administrators, who are currently preparing the fiscal year 2026 budget, must provide the extensive data by Aug. 13 \u2013 the start of a two-day visit \u2013 or face \u201cfinancial penalties.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI take no issue with the audit,\u201d said City Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. \u201cOur job as elected officials is to always be good stewards of taxpayers\u2019 funds.\u201d<\/p>\n Givens added that he welcomes \u201cthe transparency and accountability\u201d as council members consider adopting the budget and millage rate. Welch recently presented his $1.1 billion spending plan<\/a>, and money is tighter than in recent years due to the 2024 storm season and federal funding cuts. <\/p>\n The letter, dated Aug. 1, begins by noting that city officials have reduced property tax rates in recent years. However, DOGE wrote that rising values have caused those revenues to soar by $95 million, or 75%, since 2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n The agency said property tax collections have \u201chelped pay for a rapidly growing general fund budget\u201d that has increased by $130 million over the past six years. Council Chair Copley Gerdes noted that city officials have increased the number of budget discussions and are \u201cdoing everything they can to make sure we\u2019re being fiscally responsible.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI think the city has done a really good job of managing its finances,\u201d Gerdes added. \u201cI think that has shown itself during and after these hurricanes.\u201d<\/p>\n Specific requests<\/p>\n The state\u2019s myriad requests begin with policies and procedures for procurements or contracts over $10,000. DOGE did not provide a starting date for an itemized list.\u00a0<\/p>\n The city must provide information corresponding to 11 employee compensation-related requests. Those encompass bonuses, promotions and raises.<\/p>\n DOGE will scrutinize city-owned property leased to private organizations, and specifically mentioned the Coliseum. Administrators must provide \u201cthe basis and determination that such lease constitutes the best use of the property\u201d and the \u201ccurrent valuation and costs of upkeep and maintenance,\u201d among other data.\u00a0<\/p>\n Givens expects the state to scrutinize \u201chow we are managing our way out of our stormwater and utility bill challenges.\u201d Officials have discussed issuing debt, supported by a new property tax<\/a>, to pay for critical resiliency projects rather than increasing service rates<\/a> exponentially.\u00a0<\/p>\n The governor, meanwhile, would like to eliminate property taxes<\/a>. DOGE wants to review all rate studies since 2019, and the \u201cmethodology used to determine transfers of funds between the utilities systems and other government funds.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIf there\u2019s a budget department that\u2019s prepared for this, it\u2019s ours,\u201d Gerdes said. \u201cThey are the best in the country, in my opinion. Even though it might be a big lift \u2026 we\u2019ll be ready with whatever the state is looking for.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n From front left: City Council Chair Copley Gerdes, Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders and Mayor Ken Welch attend the annual St. Pete Pride Parade. Photo: City of St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n DEI and sustainability<\/p>\n Nearly five of seven specific request pages encompass DEI, environmental sustainability, nonprofit grants, transportation projects and homeless services.<\/a> DOGE specifically requested the Coliseum\u2019s \u201cbudget and actual revenues.\u201d<\/p>\n Pinellas County did not receive requests<\/a> regarding homeless services or specific facilities and people. DOGE requested access to George Smith, the city\u2019s chief equity officer; Lendel Bright, disability and diversity coordinator; Kouery Hendryx-Bell, supplier diversity manager<\/a>; and Sharon Wright, former director of sustainability and resilience.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Welch-at-Pride-1024x765.jpg\")
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