The Great Depression came to Florida earlier than it did the rest of the nation. By the time the 1929 stock market crash, Floridians had already experienced over two years of declining economic fortunes.

By 1928, tax revenues were down to the extent that the City of Pompano was forced to slash its budget. The Mayor's salary was reduced from $100 to $75 a month. Other municipal officials saw similar cuts including:

City Auditor (from $225 to $175)
City Clerk (from $175 to $125)
Chief of Police (from $175 to $135)
Patrolmen (from $150 to $125)
Fire Chief (from $200 to $125)

The commissioners eliminated a $100 monthly appropriation to the Chamber of Commerce, promising to restore the funds when times "became better."

One official escaped the cutbacks -- the City Attorney kept his $50 monthly payment.