Port Richey council members vote 3-2 to act on recommendations in a consultant's report on reducing the cost of police services.
By ALEX LEARY
Published June 26, 2003
PORT RICHEY - Pink slips won't be issued immediately, but the City Council has taken a decisive step toward cutting several jobs from the Port Richey Police Department, including the emergency dispatch center.
By a 3-2 vote split along the city's political lines, the council on Tuesday night directed City Manager Vince Lupo to begin to "implement" recommendations in a consultant's analysis of the department.
If all the suggestions are followed, the city could trim $156,000 from its $1.1-million police budget. Lupo's feasibility study will determine the actual savings and whether dispatch services could be obtained elsewhere.
Exactly what "implement" meant was the subject of considerable debate during the protracted discussion. Critics feared the vote amounted to a done deal.
"We're making an outrageously big mistake," said Mayor Eloise Taylor, who was in the minority along with council member Bill Bennett on the vote. She urged the council to consider public sentiment before moving forward.
Council member Dale Massad, who made the motion, said the critics' reaction was misplaced. While Lupo will begin to determine the financial implications of cutbacks, the matter still will come before the council during budgeting later this year.
Council member Phyllis Grae, who also supported the measure, said the city's bleak financial outlook warranted a hard look at the Police Department, as well as other line items in the budget.
Lupo told the council Tuesday that he would recommend a tentative increase in the city's property tax rate. Details will be released next month, he said.
Tuesday's vote was triggered by the Matrix Consulting Group's report, which found the city could save $156,000 by getting rid of the five-member dispatch center, a patrol officer and the lone detective position.
Dispatch service could be contracted through the Pasco County Sheriff's Office or New Port Richey for a possible savings of $91,000. Lupo will contact those agencies to see if they are open to the idea.
