The Florida DOGE audit team visited St. Petersburg City Hall on Wednesday to conduct a two-day review of the city’s finances and engage with city staff for follow-up inquiries.

Hours after the team arrived, protestors were at City Hall to express their concerns. One of them was Mary McMullen.

“We don’t need them telling us how to spend our money and how we should live,” McMullen said.

Local residents gathered in protest, holding up signs with messages like “Hands off our city,” “Dump DOGE,” and “We trust our elected city government. Not DOGE.”

Protesters expressed concerns about potential state interpretations of city initiatives, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

City Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard thanked those residents for their support.

Gabbard emphasized that St. Petersburg has effectively managed tax dollars, citing public safety as a priority, and refuted any claims of financial waste.

Gabbard also worried about state recognition of the city’s resilience efforts, especially important for her coastal community constituents.

Shortly after the protest, participants attended a news conference inside City Hall to hear from Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia.

“What we are seeing is a lot of waste, fraud, and abuse in a lot of places that local governments can cut,” Ingoglia said.

The newly appointed DeSantis cabinet member was asked to go into specifics.

“We are not going to give specific examples. We will detail those examples when the report is released,” Ingoglia said.

Ingoglia added that the audit will not only look at the overall purpose of some initiatives and programs but mainly the process of getting them started or keeping them up and running.

“It may be that a contract could be worthwhile. It could be a good use of taxpayer money. But how they’re going through the procurement process and putting out to bid, that may be questionable,” Ingoglia said.

Ingoglia said the auditors are currently employed by the state. They are all from several departments. The CFO said the cost of the overall DOGE effort will be a small price tag since state resources have already been allocated for the effort.

During the news conference, tempers flared between Ingoglia and protestors. McMullen left in the middle of the news conference.

The ultimate goal officials have after DOGE is to present a report with recommendations for cities and counties to cut or save money. Those funds could help supplement any money loss from funding essential services if leaders reduce property taxes. The other option is voters will likely decide on an upcoming ballot amendment on a likely future reduction of property taxes.  

Property taxes are handled by local governments. But a constitutional amendment could force local leaders to alter how much property owners pay in property taxes.  

Mayor Kenneth Welch released the following statement:

“We had a successful first day with the state DOGE team and I want to thank our City team for their efforts on quickly compiling and preparing this requested data ahead of today’s visit. As stated when we first received the request, the City is complying with all DOGE requests and will provide any additional information or clarification as needed. As we continue through this process, our main priority remains inclusive progress for our city, based on our shared values, and moving  forward with clarity, purpose and integrity.”