By Margie Plunkett
BRINY BREEZES – Town Council will solicit proposals for police protection from local law enforcement agencies as its current contract with Boynton Beach will expire in the fall of 2010.
The contract with the Boynton Beach police department requires Briny Breezes to notify whether it will renew the contract a year before its Oct. 1 expiration date.
Council discussed neighboring municipalities that could potentially provide police services, including Boynton Beach, Ocean Ridge, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department, Gulf Stream and Delray Beach.
“It’s no reflection on Boynton Beach: They’ve done a good job. We wanted to test the water, see what’s out there,” said Briny Breezes Mayor Roger Bennett. “Like everyone, we’ve got to do some tightening.”
Alderman Kathy Bray agreed, saying Briny Breezes has been relatively satisfied with Boynton Beach’s services, but “there’s always room for improvement.
“It’s a very tight fiscal year coming up,” Bray said. ”We’re trying to get the best, closest contract for the best price. A competitive nature is good in a climate like this.”
Briny paid $203,935 for police services this year and the three-year contract allows for an increase of about 4 percent annually.
Competitive bidding helps Briny Breezes get the best price possible. “We’re a small town and need to conserve,” said Alderman Karen Wiggins.
Ocean Ridge previously provided services to Briny Breezes. Bennett said a couple things bothered him about that contract, including clauses that said in the event of simultaneous emergencies in Briny and Ocean Ridge, police would go to Ocean Ridge. They had to make the provision because they’re such a small force, Bennett said.
It was one of the factors that helped Boynton Beach win the contract three years ago. “Boynton has a large department – they had 170 men and would never have that problem,” Bennett said.
The Boynton Beach Police Department also has a marine patrol, although it’s had some cutbacks there, Bennett said.
The town’s decision to solicit proposals generated discussion of whether a small municipality such as Briny Breezes was better served by a big city or small town police department. “Both have shortcomings and both have benefits,” Bray said. “It’s going to be getting the most of what Briny’s looking for at the best price.”
Bray was uncertain whether the town would seek a bid from a private security firm, but recalled a similar bid in the past was very expensive.
The Boynton Beach Police Department doesn’t assign specific officers to Briny Breezes, but uses the full force to serve the town, Bray said. “It’s a desirable position and they do request it.”
The police department dedicates officers to an evening shift in Briny and regularly patrols the town 24 hours each day, Bennett said.
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