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New Port Richey agrees to dispatch neighbor's police

Some Port Richey residents opposed to downsizing that Police Department had fought the proposal.

NEW PORT RICHEY - City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday night to take on police dispatch services for neighboring Port Richey, which abolished its services Aug. 26 after heated debate.

"I believe there's sincerity on both sides. I believe there's emotion on both sides," council member Ginny Miller said. "I don't think a decision here tonight will affect the democratic process in any way. I think a decision tonight leaves the door open."

According to an interlocal agreement, Port Richey will pay New Port Richey $93,000 a year for the service plus fees and inflation increases during the three-year contract.

New Port Richey will hire additional dispatch staffers to handle the extra workload.

"Our city's costs are expected to be slightly less than the contract fee," said Gerald Seeber, New Port Richey city manager, in an Oct. 17 memo to city council.

About three months ago, Port Richey City Manager Vince Lupo approached Seeber with a request to provide dispatch services on a contract basis.

An interlocal agreement was prepared specifying that Port Richey pay for all transition costs and any computer hardware needed to accommodate the additional database.

The contract includes a provision that allows either city to terminate the agreement; it also leaves room for a change in Port Richey's policy direction.

In the weeks leading up to Tuesday's vote, Port Richey residents asked New Port Richey leaders not to get involved in the issue - saying they are fighting to keep their police dispatchers and are forming a committee to seek a referendum.

"I think we represent more than what some folks term a vocal minority. We ask simply that you as a council let the democratic process take its course and go to a referendum," said Jim Priest, a former Port Richey City Council candidate and a leading opponent of the effort to downsize the Port Richey Police Department. "I firmly believe the people should vote on a issue such as this."

Seeber said New Port Richey is prepared to take over police dispatching and anticipates doing so in early November.