Volunteer railroad group objects to proposed fee for park service

Jerry Smithson, a volunteer who identified himself as vice president of the Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad, told the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 25 that the group operates a volunteer railroad in a county park and carries about 10,000 riders a year.

"We provide a service and we think that we should not be penalized for providing that service," Smithson said during public comment, describing age ranges of riders and saying the railroad helps people — including the very young, very old and those with limited mobility — reach parts of the park they otherwise could not.

The volunteers say county staff informed them in 2023 that the county planned to update the railroad's contract; the group said a draft presented "a few months ago" would require a $5,000 annual payment and additional service fees. Smithson said the proposed charge makes it difficult to continue providing the operation as a volunteer service.

Chair Star and other commissioners invited Smithson to speak with county staff after the meeting. Kathy Pierce, identified in the meeting as assistant County Ministry of public services, said the contract had not yet been brought to the board and staff would brief commissioners when it returns.

Pierce told the commission: "We're still working on it and we'll be sure to brief each and every one of you with that when it does come back." Commissioners encouraged the volunteers to meet with parks staff immediately so staff and the group could seek a resolution.

The exchange took place in public comment; no formal action or vote on a contract occurred during the meeting. The commission did not set a timetable or place a contract draft on the agenda during the session.

Residents and advocates who attend county meetings will likely see county staff follow up with the group for further briefings and, if necessary, a future agenda item for commission consideration.