PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center has been granted a one-year reprieve, as Palm Beach County Commissioners gave a majority direction on Thursday to continue funding the public park through the next fiscal year. The 5-2 decision during the first of two budget hearings delays, for now, the controversial proposal to privatize the facility. The vote must be finalized at the next budget meeting on Sept. 15.
Palm Beach County officials considered privatizing the public park to cut costs, a move that has sparked fierce opposition from the local equestrian community. The county says it spends $750,000 annually to maintain the facility, an expense it may not be able to afford amid potential property tax reforms.
A Push from the Podium
The effort to save the park's public funding was led by Commissioner Joel Flores, whose district includes the equestrian center. Hours before the meeting, Flores toured the facility and met with members of the Palm Beach Posse and other riders to understand the park's vital role in the community.
He brought that perspective to the commission chambers.
"This kinda blindsided the community," Flores said during the meeting. "What I would love this board to do is to help me to find a way to fund them through the next year."
His advocacy resulted in a majority of the board agreeing to direct staff to find the necessary funds.
A Temporary Solution
While supporters celebrated the decision, Flores warned that the fight to keep the park public is not over. He cited the looming threat of future budget shortfalls if a proposed state constitutional amendment on property taxes passes.
"We may be able to push this for another year," Flores said during his park tour earlier in the day. "If the Amendment Three happens, I want to be clear, I don't think there is any other option but to go to a P3 (Public-Private Partnership)."
The Vote and What's Next
WPTV reporter Michael Hoffman said Commissioners Woodward and Marino indicated no on the measure, while Commissioners Baxter, Flores, Weiss, Sachs and Powell indicated yes. It was a "majority direction," not a vote persay. Commissioners Woodwars and Marino indicated their opposition, citing concerns over using county reserves and the impact on other programs that have already faced cuts.
The commission will take a final, binding vote on the entire county budget, including the funding for the equestrian center, at its second public hearing on Sept. 15.
