Zunz can speak up on dispatch discussion

The ruling is in and Longboat Key Commissioner Pat Zunz no longer has to sit on the sidelines when commissioners hold a police dispatch discussion.

Town Attorney Maggie Mooney-Portale told commissioners in an April 3 memo that a ruling by the Florida Commission on Ethics states Zunz can participate in future discussions about police dispatch. The commission, though, recommends Zunz refrain from voting on the matter if future votes on the matter are held.

Two weeks ago, Zunz sat silent during a regular workshop discussion about dispatch that led to a consensus for staff to move ahead with plans to transfer its in-house dispatch service to Sarasota County.

Mooney-Portale suggested Zunz not participate because her son had applied for a job as a town dispatcher.

Zunz, who attended several meetings regarding dispatch services being offered to the town with Sarasota and Manatee counties, believes there are many issues with the town giving up its dispatch service.

Commissioner Irwin Pastor and Zunz believe there’s value in having town dispatchers on the island that know the ins and outs of the island’s roads.

Town staff is still in discussions with Sarasota County about its 911 dispatch offer and a future discussion is likely at the May workshop to discuss the issue again.

Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming believes a discussion should be had about allowing Longboat Key Fire Rescue to utilize the Sarasota County dispatch service, while keeping the Manatee County 911 dispatch service and Key dispatch officers in place. 

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].