The city had balked at compensating a police officer who was called up in late 2001.
By ALEX LEARY
Published June 19, 2003
PORT RICHEY - Reversing an earlier stance that attracted public criticism, the city has paid a police officer for time he spent on active military duty after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Port Richey paid Officer Scott Schuck $2,272, the equivalent of 17 days' pay he said he was entitled to after being activated by the Air Force Reserve in October 2001.
"They did the right thing," said Sharon Slater, labor relations director for the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, which took up the 30-year-old officer's cause.
Schuck could not be reached Wednesday. He received the pay from the city on Friday.
He had requested compensation under a state law that provides for up to 17 days' leave for annual reserve training.
But City Attorney Paul Marino said the callup was involuntary and not for training. Therefore, he argued, the decision to pay Schuck was discretionary.
Under the state law Marino cited, the city could have paid Schuck 30 days' full pay and thereafter covered any difference in his city and military compensation.
City Manager Vince Lupo initially declined to pay Schuck, citing Marino's opinion. After reviewing the situation, however, Lupo reconsidered.
"It feels good doing it," Lupo said Wednesday. "The pay was well earned and deserved, and I'm sure the city feels the same way."
Marino called the decision "a prudent move" because other agencies, including the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, compensate employees called to military duty.
The attorney defended his interpretation of the law. "From the outset, I made it crystal clear to Mr. Lupo that it was his call."
When the dispute was first made public in May, some residents criticized the city's posture. One resident, Fred Miller, spoke before the City Council.
"I was appalled at it, being a veteran," Miller said Wednesday. "These guys lay their lives on the line. I'm glad to see him get paid."
- Alex Leary covers the city of Port Richey. He can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6247, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6247. His e-mail address is leary@sptimes.com
