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A year of the usual problems in Port Richey

The city survived an effort to disband it, but is likely to face another one in 2006.

By PHIL DAVIS
Published January 3, 2006

PORT RICHEY - State investigations into official misconduct? Check.

Group of angry residents seeking to disband the city? Check.

Council infighting? Check.

In a nutshell, 2005 was a pretty typical year in the little town of Port Richey

--The five City Council members did find harmony in discussions on protecting the city's waterways. And although dredging discussions were less civil, the council agreed to spend $100,000 to continue pursuing permits to clear the city's silt-clogged canals.

The council also approved several housing developments on the vanguard of a growth spurt that has the potential to double Port Richey's population to more than 6,000 by 2007.

In an effort to keep pace with the growth, City Manager Jerry Calhoun also secured permission to pursue a $3.3-million bond issue to pay for the drilling of new wells that will end the city's reliance on New Port Richey to meet its water needs.

Disharmony was never far from the forefront:

--In a holdover from 2004, the upscale Rocky Creek Estates development remained in legal limbo. A judge will decide whether the council's controversial October 2004 decision to downsize the coastal development from 43 to 13 homes will stand.

--Angry debate erupted in April when lame duck Mayor Eloise Taylor, in one of her last acts in office, rushed through the appointment of supporter Jim Priest to replace City Council member Greg Ross, whose abrupt resignation surprised many.

--In August, the 99-year-old Port Richey Community Church, the city's oldest building, was demolished as part of a developer's plan to build a boat storage facility on James Clark Street. The church once served as the city's only schoolhouse.

--Also in August, Bill Downs, the city's former police chief, returned to the department as second-in-command. An independent arbitrator ruled the city had cause to demote him in 2003 when he became embroiled in city politics, but was not justified in firing him on Oct. 31, 2003. Downs, now a captain, also won $90,089.46 in back pay.

--In November, former mayor and council member Bob Leggiere agreed to pay $2,000 to the Florida Ethics Commission for using his political clout to influence city building officials.

--Also in November, an effort to disband the city fizzled when state lawmakers rebuffed an effort at the state level to undo the city. Supporters, who cite lower taxes and the city's contentious politics as reasons to disband, vowed to try again in 2006.

--Mayor Mark Abbott is facing 10 counts of state elections law violations, including illegally contributing to himself and spending on campaign materials with insufficient funds in his account. Abbott, who also is facing foreclosure on his house, is set to go before the Florida Elections Commission at a February hearing.

Abbott's election opponent, former Mayor Taylor, filed the complaints against him.

Bitter politics are likely to continue in 2006.

Council member Fred Miller said he expects some factions, including those who want to disband the city, will try to break up the current three-man council majority. The seats now held by Priest, Miller and Bill Bennett are up for grabs.

"I think they will target at least one of us," Miller said.

[Last modified January 3, 2006, 01:57:16]