Photo courtesy of Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Madeira Beach Commissioners approved the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement contract Sept. 9 after District 1 Commissioner David Tagliarini raised questions about enforcement of non-emergency City ordinances.
The contract provides law enforcement services to Madeira Beach through the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, including patrol and enforcement services.
Sheriff’s Contract Approved
Tagliarini pulled the contract from the consent agenda so Commissioners could discuss it. He said he wanted to ensure the City is getting everything it pays for.
“I felt like I got some backlash,” Tagliarini said, referring to a previous workshop where he questioned whether the contract included enforcement of non-emergency ordinances.
Tagliarini said he holds the Sheriff’s Office in high regard.
“I’m not questioning their integrity,” Tagliarini said. “I will continue to push for the enforcement of those non-emergency ordinances.”
Tagliarini then moved to approve the contract. Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve it.
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That’s not all that happened at the Sept. 9 Madeira Beach Commission meeting. Read about a tentative $37.8 million budget, a November election, stormwater, and the City Attorney’s retirement.
Splash Pad Fee
Commissioners also rejected a proposal to increase the fee for residents and nonresidents who reserve the city’s splash pad for private functions.
The proposal would have raised the two-hour fee for residents from $100 to $200. The fee for nonresidents would have increased from $150 to $300.
Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks called the proposed increase excessive.
“The splash pad is a free service to the community,” Brooks said. “The only reason you’re paying anything to use it is if you want it shut down for just you.”
City staff said a private reservation requires little extra work beyond closing the splash pad, posting a sign and removing trash.
Commissioners approved the rest of the fee schedule 5-0. The splash pad fees will remain unchanged.
The next regular Madeira Beach Commission meeting is Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.
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