County Calls Emergency Meeting Over Sheriff’s Budget Request

Pasco County Commissioners and Sheriff Bob White head back into negotiations tonight over a $4 million budget dispute that threatens to take county business to Tallahassee Monday where a state panel will hear the grievance.

The issue is scheduled to be heard at 5 p.m. at the West Pasco Government Center, 7530 Little Road in New Port Richey.

At issue is additional money White has asked for to fund 32 extra staff members, including 28 deputies. He’s also asked for more money to cover the rising expenses of pension costs.

Commissioners and White have gone back and forth on the issue with White insisting the additional funds are necessary and commissioners saying they could not provide the funding. White appealed the commission’s decision to the governor’s office earlier this year.

While a state panel is ready to hear the complaint Monday, White issued an altered offer – his second one – to commissioners Friday. In this request, he is asking for $2.4 million to add 21 deputies to the payroll. The request also includes costs for vehicle and other related expenses.

Commissioners have agreed to discuss the matter today and have called an emergency hearing to do so.

If the issue cannot be resolved, the commission and sheriff will travel to Tallahassee Monday where a state advisory panel will hear the dispute. That panel would make a recommendation to the Florida Cabinet when it meets March 9.

The sheriff’s office has 1.2 deputies per 1,000 residents, according to Kevin Doll, spokesmanm for the agency. The national average is between 2.2 and 2.5 deputies per thousand.

Officials were not available for comment.