Advertisement

Citing uncertainty over funding, Port Richey police chief announces resignation

 
Police Chief Rob Lovering says plans for funding cuts go too deep.
Police Chief Rob Lovering says plans for funding cuts go too deep.
Published May 25, 2016

PORT RICHEY — Uncertainty swirling around funding for the Port Richey Police Department has led to the resignation of its top cop.

Chief Rob Lovering announced Tuesday night that he will resign in October after serving the city for two years. It is the second resignation of a high-level city official in two months, following the recent departure of City Manager Tom O'Neill.

During its meeting Tuesday, the City Council continued to kick around a plan to possibly hire a public safety director to oversee both the city's fire and police departments. Mayor Dale Massad, elected last fall, floated the idea two weeks ago as a cost-cutting measure as the city faces dwindling general fund reserves and is paying employee salaries with Community Redevelopment Agency money.

The council remains uncertain as to whether it will pull the trigger on the idea, so the plan is to post a request for proposals from anyone in the state who may be qualified to run both departments. The request will not have a salary range attached to it.

When asked for his thoughts, Lovering discussed the collateral effect the idea is having, saying six of his officers have applied to other agencies since the issue has been raised. He also told the council he will resign, saying he fears for his reputation and being "damaged goods" should he seek another job.

In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday, Lovering said he is not leaving because of the debate over consolidating the chief positions. Instead, he is concerned that the council is looking at cutting department funding so deep that he cannot ensure the safety of its officers or the public.

"I can't be a part of that," Lovering said.

During the meeting, Fire Chief Tim Fussell told the council he too is worried, not for his job but for his firefighters, adding he would retire if the city wanted him to do so.

"I am concerned for my people," said Fussell.

City Council member Nancy Britton, the lone vote against the chief consolidation idea, blasted the uncertainty it has created.

"I just think it's pathetic. Pathetic," Britton said.