‘It’s crazy’: Questions raised over Sanford’s decision to use CARES Act funds to build fence at City Hall

SANFORD, Fla. — The city recently announced several improvements to City Hall in light of the pandemic.

Things such as new employee work stations with social protection shields are being installed with the use of CARES Act money.

But one item is raising some eyebrows over the use of those funds.

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The city recently installed a fence around the breezeway.

A city official said the fence creates a single entrance into the building. However, some residents told Channel 9 they question the use of CARES Act funds to build it, calling it a waste of money.

The once-open breezeway at Sanford City Hall is now surrounded by bars, and it’s caught the eye of several people entering the building.

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“It’s crazy,” one resident said. “I’m down here once a month. To me, it’s not necessary.”

According to a City of Sanford purchase order obtained by Channel 9, the new fence so far has cost $26,441. The city confirms it used CARES Act money to pay for it.

The city did not respond to requests for an on-camera interview. However, in a statement to Eyewitness News, Darryl Presley, executive director of Development Services said, “The fence is to provide a single point of entry to City Hall. This will allow for customers to have access to masks, hand sanitizers and provided information at the entry point.”

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The fence at this point remains open at several points. It appears gates will eventually be installed to lock the breezeway down.

VIDEO: Sanford Riverwalk project nearing completion Crews are finishing up work on the $12 million Riverwalk project along Lake Monroe in Sanford. (, Jeff Levkulich/WFTV)

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