3/2 Win For Transparency!
Melbourne Beach Moves Toward Transparency: Commissioners Demand Accountability for Legal Costs
In a decisive step toward fiscal transparency, three Town Commissioners took bold action last night to demand accountability of taxpayer-funded legal expenses tied to Mayor Alison Dennington’s repeated lawsuits against the Town. A motion by Commissioner Anna Butler, (see YouTube replay at 3 hours, 30 minutes) supported by Commissioners Dawn Barlow and Robert Baldwin, passed 3-2, directing Town Manager Elizabeth Mascaro to require the Town’s finance manager—in collaboration with the Town Attorney—to provide a full, itemized breakdown of all legal costs incurred by taxpayers, including detailed billing from the Town Attorney’s office for fees, court filings, and staff hours spent defending the Town against the mayor’s litigation.
Our community owes a heartfelt thank you to Commissioners Butler, Barlow, and Baldwin, who championed residents’ right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. “Residents deserve transparency,” Commissioner Butler stated. “When lawsuits drain public resources, every dollar must be accounted for.” Their vote ensures the upcoming report will leave no stone unturned, revealing the full scope of expenses tied to the mayor’s lawsuits. This stands in stark contrast to the disappointing “no” votes from Commissioner Tim Reed and Mayor Dennington, who opposed releasing this critical financial information.
Hypocrisy on Fiscal Responsibility
Mayor Dennington has long touted her dedication to “fiscal responsibility,” yet her actions tell a different story. Dennington‘s vote against this motion is a vote against transparency as she tried to block taxpayers from learning the true cost of her lawsuits—litigation the recent Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigative report explicitly linked to her directly through her LLC, Funoe. Mayor Dennington has repeatedly claimed that lawsuit cost estimates shared by residents are inaccurate. However, her opposition to the motion raises the question: If she believes the totals in circulation are wrong, why block an official report that would provide definitive numbers? Critics argue her refusal to support transparency undermines her own assertions. “If the mayor truly stands by her numbers, she should welcome this audit,” said one attendee. “Instead, she and Commissioner Reed are fighting to keep taxpayers in the dark—even as the FDLE report confirms her lawsuits.”
A Call for Integrity
Commissioners Butler, Barlow, and Baldwin have not only talked the talk—they’ve walked the walk. Their vote reflects a commitment to safeguarding taxpayer funds and restoring trust in local government. The forthcoming report, which will include specifics from the Town Attorney’s office, will finally expose the financial toll of lawsuits against the Town.
Looking Ahead
The Town of Melbourne Beach is at a crossroads. Commissioners Butler, Barlow, and Baldwin have taken a critical first step toward accountability. Residents now await the detailed financial report, which will leave no room for ambiguity.
To the commissioners who stood with taxpayers: Thank you. Your leadership proves that truth and accuracy matter. To the two who voted “no”: The community is watching. Melbourne Beach deserves leaders who prioritize the public good—not personal vendettas and cover-ups.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Together, we can ensure our town’s future is guided by truth, not turmoil.
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