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Denied more pay, police chief resigns

The Belleair Beach chief gets a thank-you but not a 15 percent raise. He will move on to the Sheriff's Office.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published August 29, 2006

BELLEAIR BEACH - Police Chief Earnest Armistead resigned as the city's top law officer Tuesday after city leaders refused to give him a 15 percent raise.

The special council meeting was originally called to discuss pay negotiations between Armistead and City Manager Reid Silverboard.

"I am willing to pay him almost anything to stay," said council member Stan Sofer, urging the council to pay Armistead more.

But in the end, the council thanked Armistead for his 20-plus years of service and wished him well in his new job at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

"Nowhere in the county is anyone getting a 15 percent raise this year," said council member Lynn Rives. "I don't think because somebody wants to leave they should get a raise."

The city's Police Department has been the center of controversy in recent months. Contract negotiations with the police union are far from resolved. The union has rejected the city's proposals and has asked the city to allow the sheriff to take over law enforcement.

That change would normally require a voter referendum.

Voters in two previous referendum elections have strongly favored keeping the Police Department. This time, however, the decision may not be up to voters.

Two of the department's police officers recently quit to work for the sheriff. The remaining officers also have applied for county jobs.

If they leave, the city may be forced to contract with the Sheriff's Office.

Armistead's last day with the city is Thursday.

[Last modified August 28, 2006, 22:49:02]