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Hernando Today

Department Transfer Draws Reaction

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: November 27, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Since Sumter County folded its emergency management operations into the sheriff's office about 10 years ago, the arrangement has been "working perfectly," said Judd Wright, director of the Sumter County Emergency Management Department.

"A lot of that has to do with the attitude at the top," said Wright, referring to the county administrator and sheriff.

If both sides are in agreement to the change and maintain an amicable working relationship, the transition in Hernando County should be smooth, Wright said.

Wright's comments come the day after Sheriff Richard Nugent told Hernando Today he reached an agreement with County Administrator David Hamilton to transfer emergency management operations to his department.

Pending county commission approval, that transfer would become effective Jan. 1, 2009.

Assistant Hernando County Attorney Erika Moore said Wednesday she has reviewed the interlocal agreement for the transfer and massaged it so it conforms to standard contract language and Florida Statutes.

For example, during a declared emergency, Emergency Management Director Cecilia Patella would assume the duties of command and report directly to the board of county commissioners, she said.

If this agreement is approved Dec. 2 at the county commission meeting, Patella would no longer be interim director, according to Nugent.

Under standard conditions, Patella would report to Director of Information Services Bill Kickliter, who would then report to Chief Deputy Mike Hensley and Nugent.

However, Florida statutes specify that the emergency management director moves up the chain of command for the period of time during a disaster.

"I may work for the sheriff, but when it comes to a disaster in Sumter County, I am the lead facilitator and coordinator for that period of time," Wright said. "That would be the same for Hernando County."
Patella was roundly praised for her handling of a hurricane drill earlier this year. She has 17 years experience in project management, business continuity and disaster recovery in the private and public sectors.

"I've been an advocate of this transition all along," said County Commissioner David Russell, who served as a facilitator between Nugent and Hamilton as they worked toward agreement. "I think it's a good fit."

Logistically, it makes sense for the first responders during a hurricane or other crisis - the sheriff's office and emergency management - to be incorporated in the same management structure, Russell said.

Russell doesn't anticipate any problems when the board meets Dec. 2 to discuss approving the agreement.

Both of the major issues that had stalled progress have been resolved, he said.

"They continue to take care of flood mitigation and we've assumed some of the grant writing responsibilities," he said.

County Commissioner John Druzbick believes that cooperation between Hamilton and Nugent is there and the arrangement will benefit the county.

"I think it's a good step in trying to consolidate our departments with 'like' services," Druzbick said. "I believe this is going to be something (that) will be very helpful."

County Commissioner Rose Rocco said the agreement has a clause that allows either the county or the sheriff to terminate it with 90 days notice.

"So there are fail-safes," she said.

Commissioner James Adkins said Tuesday the transfer is another example of shifting resources to get "the biggest bang for the buck" during these times of budget austerity.

Budget Director George Zoettlein said he doesn't see any financial impact because both the emergency management department and the sheriff's office are funded through the general fund.

The county will shift the budget for the five emergency management employees to the sheriff's office budget.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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