PORT RICHEY - The City Council on Tuesday took another step toward downsizing the Police Department when it instructed the city attorney to craft an ordinance disbanding the dispatch center.
By a 3-2 vote, the council also directed city officials to continue talks to contract dispatch services with an agency, most likely the county.
The decisions came amid a lengthy hearing on the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. The $3-million spending plan called for four other staff cuts aside from those in the Police Department, though the council had not decided on those reductions as of late Tuesday.
The Police Department issue has been a source of controversy throughout the summer. A consultant's report suggested closing dispatch and cutting a patrol position and a detective.
In a 3-2 decision last month, the council had told City Manager Vince Lupo to begin to carry out the measures.
On Tuesday, Lupo outlined three potential deals.
New Port Richey offered dispatch services for $93,000 a year for at least three years. The Sheriff's Office and fire department proposal was about $102,000. A third deal crafted by County Administrator John Gallagher came in at $92,000.
City Attorney Paul Marino, who favors the last proposal, urged the council to act soon because it would take time to work out the details and present a final contract to the respective government agencies.
Lupo also said employees who could lose their jobs would need to know so they can find other work. Lupo said the county could possibly absorb displaced Port Richey workers.
Under the city charter, an ordinance must be approved to close the dispatch center and contract the service. The ordinance would be subject to two public hearings.
