WEST PALM BEACH, FL — West Palm Beach commissioners approved another $18 million for remediation, reconstruction and upgrades to the city’s Police Department building, adding to a project that has already drawn questions over cost, planning and long-term use of the downtown facility.
The City Commission approved the item June 22 as part of the consent calendar, which passed 4-1. Commissioner Christy Fox said during the meeting that she did not support the consent calendar because of the police building repair item, while noting that commissioners had held a June 11 workshop on the project.
According to the agenda item, the city allocated $6 million for police building remediation and reconstruction in August 2025, then approved another $13.4 million in January 2026. City staff said the additional $18 million was requested after previously unforeseen damage expanded the amount of work needed.
The agenda said the money is intended to complete building repairs and upgrades and maintain continuity of Police Department operations. Any unspent funds are expected to be returned to the discretionary fund balance, according to the agenda item.
During public comment on the consent calendar, a resident questioned how the project costs had grown and said residents deserved more transparency on the work and alternatives.
The mayor said those questions were addressed during the earlier workshop.
Fire Assessment Rates Stay Flat, But Nonprofit Discount Changes
Commissioners also unanimously approved a preliminary fire service assessment resolution for fiscal year 2026-27.
The residential fire assessment rate remains $100 per dwelling unit, unchanged since 2020, according to Chief Financial Officer Bridget Sufront. Commercial, industrial/warehouse, institutional and nursing home rates also remain unchanged.
The major change is the removal of an 80% city buy-down previously provided to not-for-profit institutional properties. Staff said removing that discount is expected to produce about $700,000 in additional fire assessment revenue that had previously been subsidized by the city.
City Administrator Faye Johnson and Sufront both emphasized during the meeting that the city is not increasing the fire assessment rate. Sufront said the fee helps pay for fire services, while the general fund and property taxes cover the rest of fire services and emergency medical services, which are not eligible under the fire assessment.
The proposed fire assessment fund budget includes 13 firefighters, equipment maintenance staff, fire command positions, three leased fire trucks and several capital projects, including fire station work and breathing apparatus replacement planning.
Notices are expected to be mailed by July 27. The final fire assessment hearing is scheduled for August 17, 2026.
Public Art Plan Approved
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution No. 127-26 adopting the city’s updated Public Art Master Plan, covering 2026-2031.
City staff said the plan is the third version of the city’s public art framework and includes strategic goals, a curatorial framework, public art selection guidelines and program objectives.
During discussion, commissioners asked about public art funding and opportunities for local artists. Staff said the program is funded through the city’s percent-for-art requirement, not through taxpayer-based funding. Projects over $500,000 may be subject to the public art requirement when applicable.
Staff also said local artist opportunities are often shared through the Cultural Council and city channels. The plan defines a local artist as an artist who resides in Palm Beach County.
Commissioners later approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 5172-26, which would move and restate the public art program into a new Chapter 43 of the city code. The ordinance also updates definitions, adds workforce housing language, changes public art application timing, addresses murals and clarifies that private murals outside the percent-for-art program do not go through public art review unless they involve commercial speech or sign regulations.
Second reading is scheduled for July 6, 2026.
Broadway, Currie Park Zoning Changes Advance
The commission also unanimously approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 5173-26, a city-initiated zoning text amendment involving the Broadway Mixed-Use District and Currie Mixed-Use District.
For Broadway, the amendment clarifies that mid-block setbacks are not required for townhouse projects and allows steps or ramps in the frontage area as long as the clear pedestrian path remains open. Staff said the change is meant to clean up language that could conflict with townhouse projects for sale.
For Currie Park, the amendment modifies a height bonus incentive tied to park improvements. Under existing language, developers may receive one foot of additional height for every $25,000 in approved Currie Park improvements or payments. Staff said the park redesign is complete and construction is underway, so the city wants flexibility to use future contributions for operations, management and programming after construction.
The second reading is scheduled for July 6, 2026.
Police Training Grant Approved
Commissioners unanimously approved accepting an $84,415 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for the West Palm Beach Police Department.
The money will help buy a force-on-force modular training system. According to the agenda, the system costs $107,690.04, with the remaining $23,275.04 coming from State Law Enforcement Forfeiture receipts.
Major Lori Colombino told commissioners the training system will allow officers and trainers to practice realistic scenarios. In response to a question from Fox, Colombino said the training will be annual training for all officers, not only a specialized team.
Residents Raise Development, DDA And Flagler Concerns
During general public comment, several residents raised concerns about downtown development, the makeup of the Downtown Development Authority board, traffic, infrastructure capacity, Flagler Drive, Narcissus Avenue and the Good Samaritan-related development issue referenced by residents and commissioners.
Some residents urged stronger downtown resident representation on the DDA. Others warned that growth is outpacing infrastructure and asked the city to slow down or more closely study traffic, utilities, emergency services and neighborhood impacts.
Commission President Joseph Peduzzi said he agreed the DDA should reflect the residents and businesses it serves, while also saying he did not believe major landowners or developers should automatically be excluded from serving.
Fox said she had received about 1,300 emails about the Good Samaritan proposal and said she shared concerns about infrastructure and staffing capacity. She also said the city cannot legally stop all development when property owners have existing rights, but should focus on mobility and infrastructure.
Commissioners also heard public comments about homelessness near Westward Linear Park, Pleasant City infrastructure, Fern Street traffic concerns and the future of Flagler Drive.
What Happens Next
Several items return in the coming weeks.
The final fire assessment hearing and chronic nuisance assessment hearing are scheduled for August 17. The public art ordinance and Broadway/Currie Park zoning text amendment are scheduled for second reading on July 6.
The police building funding approval is already in place, following the 4-1 consent calendar vote.
From sanitation and utilities to parks, roads, police, and fire rescue, West Palm Beach government decisions affect everyday services. Boca Post tracks city actions that impact residents across the community.
