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Port Richey Leaders Explore Dissolution

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By KLINT LOWRY

The Suncoast News

Published: February 28, 2009

PORT RICHEY - City leaders took another step this week toward a vote that could break up the city.

At their Tuesday meeting, city council members approved an ordinance calling for a special referendum on whether to dissolve the city and the process that would follow should the referendum pass. The council must pass the ordinance a second time before it is official.

The move comes in response to a petition signed by 225 residents to put the dissolution question to voters.

On Tuesday, the debate about dissolving the city got heated.

After about an hour of speechmaking, the council voted to move forward, with Mayor Richard Rober and Councilman Steven O'Neill dissenting.

The ordinance explains how the city would meet the three criteria needed to dissolve under Florida law:

•It cannot be substantially surrounded by other municipalities.

•The county or neighboring cities must be able to provide necessary services.

•Arrangements must be made to settle the city's debts and to handle the vested rights of city employees.

If voters elect to dissolve the city, the city charter would be revoked. The city council would remain in place for the sole purpose of developing and implementing a dissolution plan. It would have to begin developing the plan within 30 days of the vote and have it completed within 90 days.

The ordinance also spells out the minimum requirements for severance packages for city employees.

"This is by no means all-inclusive," City Attorney Michael Brannigan said Tuesday.

Dismantling a city and all its departments would be complicated, he said.

If the city is dissolved, it is unlikely it could be brought back, Brannigan said. Port Richey's population of about 3,200 is less than half the population required to apply for incorporation.

Those attending Tuesday's meeting posed a range of questions - everything from how the city would be dissolved to the political motivations behind the push to do so.

Jim Diamond, director of operations for the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, said the city seems to be at cross-purposes. City leaders are making long-term plans, including reviewing the city charter, while talking about dissolution, he said.

"That is absolutely absurd," Diamond said.

Personal self-interest seems to be the only reason people want to dissolve Port Richey, he said.

Resident Terrence Rowe asked proponents to explain why they are intent on dissolution.

"We only ask for the truth," Rowe said, "reasons that are sound, that are based in fact, backed with proof, and not on hearsay and innuendo."

Amy Scott, a city council candidate, and Steve Johnston, two of the people behind the petition drive, sought to downplay the question of dissolution and focused on putting the issue to a vote.

"There's something called democracy; it's a great thing," Johnston said. "Democracy should decide this issue."

Practical matters, such as what would happen to the city's assets and liabilities in the event of dissolution, were raised as well. They will almost surely be discussed in the weeks to come, particularly if the ordinance passes a second time at the March 10 meeting.

If it does, city leaders will have to start organizing the referendum vote. The voting would have to take place within 60 days.

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