In an effort to keep the contested service, Port Richey officials suggest cutting the remaining positions to part time.
By ALEX LEARY
Published January 15, 2004
PORT RICHEY - While the city awaits a court ruling on a petition challenging the City Council's vote to eliminate police dispatching, officials have developed a plan to retain the service by shifting full-time jobs to part time.
The city also announced it is seeking volunteer "auxiliary" officers, who would augment a police force downsized by a detective and patrol position during the budget process.
City Manager Vince Lupo said Wednesday that the dispatch plan would affect one current full-time employee. At present, there are three dispatchers, down from five. One will retire next month and another will become a police records clerk, according to Lupo.
"No matter which way it goes (in court), we will still continue to provide excellent dispatch service," Lupo said.
But the man leading the challenge dismissed the proposal as "foolish" and said it would attract lesser quality employees.
"Nobody is going to work for the city for less money and no benefits," Jim Priest said. "It's the typical treatment this Police Department has been given by the present administration and the majority of the council for the past two years."
Dispatchers were notified Wednesday that they will lose their jobs next month but would have the opportunity to rejoin the city as part-time workers. They would lose health insurance, vacation and other benefits.
Part-time workers would earn $8 an hour to start and could work up to 30 hours per week. They must have at least a high school diploma or GED, some experience with two-way communications and must pass a certification test within six months.
Lt. Bill Sager said it would cost the city about $74,000 to use part-time workers. The contract with New Port Richey would be $93,000 annually.
Going with the nearby city was supposed to trim about half of what the city said it needed for dispatch. Priest and other critics say that amount is exaggerated. Priest organized a petition to reverse the council's 3-2 decision, saying residents want local service. The petition calls for the matter to be decided by voters during the April 13 election.
But the city says the petition is invalid because the decision is based on budgetary concerns. A judge has been asked to settle the matter; the city has asked for an expedited hearing.
One City Council member who voted to disband dispatch said she would possibly consider Lupo's plan even if the court sides with the city, provided there is a cost savings. "That would be fine with me, to stay with our own people," Phyllis Grae said. "I like being in control."
As for the volunteer police officers, the city said it seeking certified Florida law enforcement personnel at least 19 years of age. The positions are volunteer but officers may be paid for certain duties approved by the city manager.
