PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — If you live in Pembroke Park, you cannot walk into Town Hall and ask for a loan.

There is no program that allows residents to borrow tens of thousands of dollars from the town.

But records obtained by Local 10 News show that a sitting commissioner was able to receive more than $64,000 through the town’s payroll system.

A payroll summary shows Commissioner William Hodgkins received $64,461.68 labeled as “ADV ADDITIONAL LOAN,” in addition to his regular earnings. The payment was processed through payroll and carried no interest.

The record does not describe the payment as a grant or reimbursement, but as a loan or advance.

Local 10 asked the town whether providing loans or advances of this type to elected officials is a normal function of government.

In a written response, the town’s human resources director stated, “This is not a normal function.”

The human resources director also explained that, following this situation, the town implemented a third-party system that allows employees to access limited earned wages in advance, with built-in controls that prevent withdrawals beyond what has been earned.

Local 10 found no formal written loan agreement between the town and the commissioner outlining repayment terms, enforcement mechanisms, or protections for taxpayers.

There is no clear documentation establishing what would happen if the commissioner leaves office, resigns, or is otherwise unable to continue making payments.

Repayments are being made through payroll deductions, but a significant balance remains outstanding. Based on the repayment schedule provided by the town, it could take years for the full amount to be repaid.

An internal email shows Town Manager David Lynch approved the loan.

In an April 2025 email to the town’s finance director, Lynch wrote, “This is approved in its entirety… this is a blanket approval for commission advances so that future requests for commission advances are no longer needed.”

The language indicates the approval was not limited to one transaction and could apply to other members of the commission without requiring separate review or approval for each request.

Lynch added, “just keep an eye on the accounting.” in the email.

Local 10 reviewed available town commission agendas and meeting minutes and found no record of a public vote, resolution, or formal discussion authorizing a loan of this size to an elected official.

Sources told Local 10 that other commissioners were not aware of the loan until questions were raised by Local 10’s Jeff Weinsier.

A review of records did not identify any other commissioners receiving similar interest-free loans.

In a separate email sent Thursday night and obtained by Local 10, Lynch requested that the Broward Inspector General review the practice.

But it was Lynch who approved the loan and expanded the practice to all commissioners.

When approached by Local 10, Lynch declined to comment, stating, “I’ve chosen not to make any comments.”

Commissioner Ashira Mohammed has formally requested a legal review by the town attorney.

In a written memorandum, she raised concerns about whether the transactions comply with Florida law, including constitutional provisions governing the use of public funds and restrictions on lending public credit.

She wrote that the situation raises “substantial concerns regarding compliance with the Florida Constitution, Florida Statutes, municipal governance requirements, internal financial controls, procurement integrity, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”

The memorandum also questions whether the town had the authority to issue loans to elected officials and whether appropriate oversight and internal controls were in place.

During a public meeting, Mohammed said, “I received an email from Mr. Weinsier regarding some expenditure funds and it’s concerning to me.”

She added, “How is this happening? What oversight is in place and how do we fix those issues?”

Hodgkins declined to speak on camera but said the money was used for medical treatment and that he is repaying it.

The records and responses raise broader questions about how public funds are managed and whether elected officials have access to financial arrangements that are not available to the public.

Residents do not have the ability to obtain interest-free loans from the town.

Lynch was already facing questions about his job following recent clashes with Mayor Geoffrey Jacobs.

Commissioners are scheduled to vote on his possible termination at a meeting on Wednesday at Pembroke Park Town Hall.

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