Margate Commission Reluctantly Approves $111K Payout to Contractor, Citing Costly Legal Risks

by David Volz July 16, 2025

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Fire Station 58 in Margate {Google Maps}

Following a heated discussion and a presentation by Eric Hockman, a lawyer who works with City Attorney David Tolces, the Margate commission approved a resolution to pay $111,250 in additional funds for demolition and construction work on Fire Station 58 during the July 9 meeting.

Sisca demolished a 45-year-old fire station structure and then rebuilt it. The grand opening was celebrated in October 2024. The city had entered into a contract with Sisca for the work on November 4, 2020, according to city information.

Due to COVID-19, the cost of building materials increased, and the contractor required additional funds to cover the expenses of bathroom fixtures. Sisca wanted more money to cover the increased costs of completing the project. Still, city leaders disagreed in part because the project was not completed on time, and the contract stipulated a certain agreed-upon price, according to Mayor Arlene Schwartz.

During the meeting, Hockman calmly laid out the realities of the situation. He told the commission that while he understood that some members might want to fight the matter in court, it would cost the city more than $500,000 to litigate the case, and there was a possibility that a judge might rule in favor of Sisca. He said that cases involving construction projects are often long, tedious, and expensive.

Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano did not believe the city was getting a good deal and wanted to fight the matter. Vice Mayor Antonio Arserio believed the city should fight as a matter of principle.

Mayor Arlene Schwartz said she did not want to enter litigation because she believed it would cost the city and its residents too much money even if a judge ruled in favor of Margate. She said the only winners would be the lawyers, and the city’s residents would lose. “We could win the battle and lose the war. I understand the principle, but at the end of the day, it would have cost the residents more to win,” said Schwartz.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.