Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
ALEX LEARYDespite some eleventh-hour twists, the Port Richey City Council votes to go forward with plans to disband the emergency dispatch center.
PORT RICHEY - Despite a last-minute change in details and a new twist introduced by the police chief, the City Council voted Tuesday night to press ahead with plans to disband the emergency dispatch center.
The 3-2 vote, with Eloise Taylor and Bill Bennett in the minority, is not final but allows city officials to negotiate a deal to obtain dispatch services from another agency, possibly the city of New Port Richey.
Before Tuesday, the deal was tilted toward contracting with Pasco County, but problems cropped up, making it less attractive, City Manager Vince Lupo said. The troubles had to do with fire dispatch, but officials were not specific.
As the tense discussion began Tuesday evening, Police Chief Bill Downs said he had devised a plan of his own:
By eliminating some overtime and insurance costs, along with other savings, he said the existing dispatch services could be maintained for about $2,000 more than the tentative $93,000 annual contract with New Port Richey.
Downs also suggested that other budget maneuvers could save a patrol position and a detective position slated to be cut as part of an effort to downsize the Police Department. He said details would come at a later time.
The prospect of saving the department clearly delighted some members of the audience, several of whom spoke against the cuts.
"This is the erosion of our community policing program," dispatcher Kevin Bell said.
But council member Dale Massad called Downs' budget outline "reprehensible" because it came without warning and at the "final hour." Why not offer the plan months ago when the discussion began? Massad asked.
"Because I didn't have a budget, sir, at that time," Downs replied. He said he had been on vacation recently and did not have time to go over the numbers and provide the council with a memo.
Council members approved an ordinance allowing the city to contract dispatch services. The ordinance must go before the council for a second, final vote. Massad and Phyllis Grae made a point to say they would consider Downs' plan to maintain current services.
Audience members were skeptical, suggesting the council majority is fully committed to dismantling the Police Department.
The council next meets Aug. 26.