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Hernando Today

Sheriff Outlines Transfer Concerns

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: October 28, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Sheriff Richard Nugent is optimistic a deal can be worked out that would transfer the operation of the county's Emergency Management Department into his office.

After meeting with County Administrator David Hamilton last week, Nugent said there remain only two sticking points.

Hamilton, who was not available Monday, told his board recently that negotiations are continuing.

The county's emergency management department has been hit hard in recent months by turmoil and dilution of staff, Nugent said. Of the five staffers, two don't even have emergency management experience, he said, referring to clerical workers.

He doesn't want to inherit a department that would have additional responsibilities thrust on them.

"We're (talking about) taking on an organization that has been decimated," Nugent said.

Nugent said the county put grant-writing responsibilities for the county under the purview of emergency management. Given the cutback in that department's staff from 6.5 to 5, "that's a huge concern," Nugent said.

The sheriff said he has no problem writing grants strictly for emergency management but he draws the line on taking on anything larger.

"That's not a function I want to take over," he said.

The second sticking point deals with floodplain mitigation, which also was put under the auspices of emergency management, he said.

Nugent said he is again concerned that a five-person staff, which would be folded into his office, would be able to take on the extra responsibilities associated with such things as making sure coastal homes are properly elevated or keeping track of land use issues and making sure projects are monitored for flood hazards.

Those duties belong in the county planning department, he said.

Nugent said he wants to resolve these issues soon to prepare for next hurricane season.

"I don't want to take on additional responsibilities of a department that is critical to a coastal county," Nugent said. "I don't want to set it up for failure."

Former Emergency management director, Tom Leto, was fired May 9 after a sheriff's investigation and a county audit revealed questionable management practices.

Cecilia Patella, who was the county's hazard mitigation and recovery coordinator, is now interim director. Patella reports to Health and Human Services Director Jean Rags.

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

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