The Orange County Board of County Commissioners convened on December 3, 2024, to address pressing issues surrounding the Supervisor of Elections' office, particularly concerning allegations of inappropriate spending. The meeting culminated in a unanimous decision to suspend further financial disbursements to the Supervisor of Elections until a thorough review of the office's financial records can be conducted.

The discussion was sparked by a confidential tip received by Comptroller Diamond, who reported credible allegations of questionable expenditures within the Supervisor of Elections' office. Following this, he attempted to obtain bank statements and other financial records to verify the claims but faced resistance from the office, which has yet to provide the requested documentation.

Comptroller Diamond highlighted that the Supervisor of Elections had already received nearly half of his annual budget, approximately $9.6 million, raising concerns about the management of these funds. He noted a specific transaction involving a $1.1 million wire transfer to a Central Florida nonprofit, which has intensified scrutiny over the office's financial practices.

Commissioners expressed their commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need to protect taxpayer interests. They voiced concerns about the potential implications of the Supervisor's actions on the county's financial integrity and the ability to meet payroll obligations for staff within the office.

In light of these developments, the Board voted to freeze any further payments to the Supervisor of Elections until the Comptroller can confirm the legitimacy of the expenditures. This decision aims to ensure that taxpayer funds are used appropriately and that the office operates within the bounds of the law.

The meeting concluded with a call for the Supervisor of Elections to "open the books," reinforcing the Board's commitment to transparency and responsible governance. The next steps will involve a follow-up report from the Comptroller at the Board's next meeting, where further actions may be determined based on the findings of the ongoing review.