PINELLAS PARK – The City Council approved a one-year $172,909 contract with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to perform crime scene services.
The fee is $37,835 higher than last year.
“None of us is happy with the increase,” said Councilman Ed Taylor. “There is nothing that can be done about it. We discussed bringing the services in-house as opposed to outsourcing and we will continue to look at it.”
The forensic services contract includes examining and processing latent prints. The contract cost includes the fees for processing up to 290 crime scenes at $155 per call. The sheriff also will provide evidence processing and storage.
In other business:
• The City Council waived the requirement for a masonry wall so a grocery store abutting a residential area could sell wine and beer. The store at 8801 66th St. is in the front of the complex farthest from the homes. It is the former site of Scotty’s hardware store.
• The council designated Councilman Rick Butler as the city’s voting delegate at the August Florida League of Cities 83rd Annual Conference in Orlando.
• The council accepted with regret the resignation of Ralph Morrow from the recreation board and the planning and zoning commission.
• Mayor Bill Mischler shared a poem honoring the flag and the cost of freedom. He reminded people of the Freedom Fest on July 3 and 4 at Town Square Plaza Park. For more information, call 546-1196.
