Florida's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, alleges a widening gap between local spending and actual community growth in Palm Beach County.
The state’s 99-page review this week says the county’s general fund has surged nearly 90% since 2016. But that stands in contrast to a modest 10% increase in population over the same period.
This budget growth was fueled largely by a gain in property tax revenue. It nearly doubled from $790 million dollars to $1.4 billion dollars.
The report flags a $13 million dollar rise in health services between 2021 and 2024, which primarily relies on property taxes for funding.
Also, paratransit spending skyrocketed 176%.
Palm Beach County officials attribute costs to an aging population and rising property values.
Clerk Joe Abruzzo slammed the state’s claims of wasteful spending as "irresponsible."
READ MORE: DOGE targets Palm Beach County’s accessible transit services
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