Editor: This letter is in reference to the sheriff's request for an increase in the 2004-05 budget. I know that he is requesting a 6 percent increase for his employees and for the cost of living because of gas increases.
The sheriff also talks about feeding the inmates, but what about the inmates paying out of the money put in their accounts by family and friends? I am also interested in the money they get from the state for the federal prisoners housed in Pasco jails - where is that money? I also have questions about positions that the Sheriff's Office is budgeted for but are not filled. Where was that money spent, and because they need more staff, how come they didn't fill every position? People of Pasco County don't know, or maybe they don't care, about what is going on.
I know there are a lot of comments, from people as well as retirees, about government employees making a lot of money and that they also say, "We pay their salaries." All you retirees would not work for the salaries these employees get - you make more on your retirement. I would also like to know what kind of raises the Pasco government workers will get for a cost of living raise. The same gas prices and insurance costs go for them also.
I don't understand why people don't stand up for their rights. I do know a large number of the employees who are afraid for their jobs if they speak out, but it is time. Oh, by the way, this is the right to work state but without the rights.
-- Sandy Tambasco, New Port Richey
Confusion arises in how often to water in New Port Richey
Editor: I am thoroughly confused.
In the Times' article regarding watering restrictions, it states that even-number addresses in New Port Richey can water on Tuesday and Saturday and odd-number addresses may water on Wednesday and Sunday.
My problem is that my address is in New Port Richey, but I can water only once.
We have people in the neighborhood watering twice because they probably read this article.
Nowhere does it state which part of New Port Richey can water more than once and which part can't.
How is one to know?
-- Mary Voiles, New Port Richey
- Editor's note: Pasco County limits watering to one day per week. Addresses in unincorporated New Port Richey follow the county rules, not the watering regulations applicable within the municipal boundaries of New Port Richey.
