DANIA BEACH, Fla. – An organization run by Dania Beach City Commissioner Bobbie Grace owes back taxes on eight properties, according to records obtained by Local 10 News.
Records show Grace is the president of the Dania Economic Development Corporation. The organization owes close to $20,000 in back taxes.
Records show taxes haven't been paid on one building -- at 210 NW 12th Ave. in Dania Beach -- since 2011.
Grace is up for re-election and could be the next mayor of Dania Beach.
"If you cannot keep track of the properties and the taxes you are responsible for personally, how can we expect you to be responsible to spend our money appropriately?" said Dania Beach resident Pat Rafacz.
Dania Economic Development Corporation provides affordable housing to low-income seniors. Grace has been president for more than 15 years and refused to return calls from Local 10 News Reporter Jeff Weinsier.
"It raises a red flag," said Dania Beach resident Debbie Thomas.
The executive director of the Dania Economic Development Corporation seemed surprised when Weinsier told him more than $10,000 was owed on one building.
"It's $10-grand?" said Executive Director Jerry Carter.
Carter claims Grace is well aware what's owed.
"Yes, she's aware. Everyone knows what's going on," Carter added.
"It is very disheartening. I have to pay my taxes," said Rafacz. "When you have elected officials who blatantly don't pay taxes, how can we expect them to run our city well?"
The Broward Property Appraiser's Office has also yanked the organization's tax-exempt status on several of the properties because paperwork has not been submitted proving the properties are being used for low-income housing.
The election in Dania Beach is Nov. 4.