The Deerfield Beach City Commission voted April 22 to approve a settlement with the Deerfield Beach Municipal Police Officers Retirement Trust Fund that resolves disputed claims over retiree health insurance payments for former city police officers who transferred to the Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO).

City Attorney and pension counsel said the matter stems from memoranda of understanding tied to an interlocal agreement when the city transferred police services to BSO in the 1990s. The city and the retirement trust entered mediation after a tolling agreement paused statutes of limitation while the parties exchanged information.

Under the settlement approved by the commission, the city will pay an aggregate amount not to exceed $525,000 to the police pension trust to resolve claims and benefits through Oct. 1, 2024. The agreement also includes administration procedures for future (prospective) relief members and a dispute‑resolution process to reduce the risk of further litigation, city staff said. The settlement includes a surviving‑spouse provision for at least one impacted former deputy identified in the exhibits.

Attorney Adam Levinson, representing the fund, and the trust’s representative attended the meeting; Levinson said board members and counsel had worked extensively with the city to reach the compromise. City staff and the trust reported a high participation rate among eligible fund members for the settlement notice and opt‑in process.

During public comment, several retired officers and family members described financial strain from unpaid premiums and asked the commission to resolve the matter. One public commenter asked why the issue required threats of litigation before the city acted; city counsel said negotiation and information exchange took time and that the settlement was reached to avoid protracted litigation costs.

The motion to approve the settlement was made by Commissioner Hudak, seconded by Vice Mayor Preston, and the roll call vote was unanimous 5–0. The agreement is conditioned upon receipt of full releases and other standard closing documentation; staff were authorized to execute necessary documents and make the payment up to the approved limit.