Boca will meet Monday to discuss mayor’s arrest

Boca Raton officials on Monday will discuss Mayor Susan Haynie’s arrest, and the public is invited to attend and comment.

The discussion will be at 4:30 p.m. at the city’s building at 6500 Congress Ave.

The city invited the feedback after the first of its annual strategic planning workshops Monday, according to city spokeswoman Chrissy Gibson. Each speaker will have three to five minutes, depending on how many people show up and want to speak, she added.

Haynie, who was arrested on Tuesday, faces three counts of official misconduct, and single counts of perjury in an official proceeding, misuse of public office, corrupt misuse of public office and failure to disclose a voting conflict.

She is accused of hiding more than $335,000 in income and lying about money she took from real estate interests, according to an arrest report. Haynie also is accused of voting favorably on issues that would benefit real estate investor James Batmasian while not disclosing she did business with him through Community Reliance, a property management company she founded with her husband.

She has not resigned from her City Council position.

City Manager Leif Ahnell sent a letter to Boca Raton staff and workers Wednesday.

“Her attorney is speaking on her behalf and has said that she completely denies the allegations, is innocent, and will challenge the accusations,” the letter said. “It is our job as employees and representatives of Boca Raton to ensure that there is absolutely no disruption or change to services and programs we provide on a daily basis.

“We have had many questions about what protocols and processes will take place on the Council. That information will be forthcoming as the details are learned,” he said.