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By Alia Shoaib
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Florida's branch of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has said it will audit the city of Pensacola over what they described as potential "excessive spending."
Newsweek reached out to Florida's DOGE via email on Tuesday.
Why It Matters
Florida's DOGE, which was established by Governor Ron DeSantis in February, has been tasked with rooting out waste in state and local government and saving taxpayers money.
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In addition to Pensacola, it is auditing other cities and counties, and is working with its federal counterpart to scrutinize state universities.
The state DOGE's actions align with DeSantis' broader agenda of cutting government spending, as well as taxes.
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What To Know
Florida's DOGE raised concerns that the budgeted annual property tax burden in Pensacola has risen by over $11 million, an increase of more than 70 percent.
In an August 7 letter to the city's mayor, DC Reeves, the department noted that while the city's population has stayed the same or possibly even declined, tax collections have increased.
"Governor DeSantis has charged us, through Florida's DOGE effort, to identify and report on this type of excessive spending at the municipal and county level," the letter said.
The department requested access to the city's premises, data systems, and responsive personnel on August 18 and 19 in order to conduct its review.
The team has outlined nine areas they intend to examine further, including the city's management practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and homeless services.
DOGE noted that financial penalties may accrue for failure to comply with the requests for access.
What People Are Saying
The Florida DOGE letter said: "Having entrusted their governments with the power to tax, the citizens of Florida have a right to expect that their elected officials will spend the collected funds responsibly, and on truly necessary programs."
Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier quoted by WEAR-TV: "It is our obligation to spend the public's money with their knowledge. I do have areas of concern. There's a handful of things that city council does not oversee, and there are some pointed questions. I am anxious to see how it all comes out in the wash."
Pensacola Mayor DC Reeves told WEAR-TV: "We appreciate any efforts at any time by the State of Florida to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. The administration, the city's finance office, and City Council leadership are collaborating on the state's specific audit requests to prioritize clarity, accuracy, and full transparency on all sides."
What Happens Next
State auditors from Florida's DOGE are scheduled to review city records, inspect facilities, and interview staff on August 18 and 19.
After their investigation is complete, they will likely release a report of their findings and possibly ask for policy changes or corrective action.
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