PSC rules against Aloha on water line

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 6, 2008

TRINITY

Aloha Utilities lost its bid to force the owner of Alli Gators Florida Grill & Bar to pay for the construction of a reclaimed water line.

The Florida Public Service Commission on Tuesday went with a staff recommendation that said Warren Dunphy of Real Management should not have to spend up to $300,000 to build a 2,000-foot-line serving not only his restaurant at Little Road just north of State Road 54, but also several nearby properties, including a Wal-Mart Supercenter.

A report prepared by commission staff called Aloha's request "unreasonable."

NEW PORT RICHEY

4.5% raise okayed for police, fire workers

City police and fire employees will see their salaries go up 4.5 percent this fiscal year after the City Council on Tuesday approved three-year collective bargaining union contracts.

Under both the police contract and fire contract, union employees also get an additional paid holiday, Good Friday, plus additional pay for officers who work holidays.

The contracts do away with merit pay. Salary increases for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 contract years will be subject to further negotiation.

The new agreements will cost the city roughly $143,000 this year. That money will come out of the city's reserves.

PORT RICHEY

Council hopefuls plan dredging project rally

Running with similar platforms to spur a stifled dredging project prompted City Council candidates Phil Abts and Perry Bean to join forces and sponsor a rally this weekend.

The event, which will feature food and music, will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at 7536 Grand Blvd.

Abts and Bean are running against council incumbents Dale Massad, Nancy Britton and Steven O'Neill for three seats on the City Council.

The election will be held on April 8.

[Last modified March 5, 2008, 22:15:14]