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Lake Placid council declines to advance study of contracting police services
Summary
A motion to authorize the town administrator to open formal talks with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office about potential service efficiencies failed for lack of a second after extensive public comment and debate on Aug. 11.
The Lake Placid Town Council did not authorize its administrator to begin formal discussions with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office about contracting or consolidating local police services, after a motion failed for lack of a second at its Aug. 11 meeting.
The item was introduced as an exploration of “operational efficiencies” for public safety — not a motion to disband the Lake Placid Police Department — but it touched off more than two hours of public comment and a heated council exchange. Mayor Holbrook and council members framed the proposal as an analysis of cost, staffing and service levels; Council member Charles described the item as “to do an analysis” and repeatedly said she did not intend to disband the department.
Why it matters: The police budget is one of the town’s largest line items. Council member Charles told colleagues that…
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