CITY COMMISSION MET - 30 JUNE 2026

POLICE DEPARTMENT, COMMISSIONERS ENGAGE 2026 June 30 On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 5 pm in City Hall, the Cedar Key City Commission conducted a workshop. The goal of the workshop was to understand how the City and the Cedar Key Police Department might work more closely together. An audience of approximately twenty persons attended the workshop. All four sitting commissioners were in attendance: Mayor Jim Worttham, Vice Mayor Mel Beckham, Nancy Sera, and Dell Weible. One seat was empty due to the recent resignation of Jolie Davis. Commissioner Mel Beckham chaired the meeting and articulated the basics: that this gathering was not a complaint session, “no sides” would be drawn, and no decisions would be made. Immediately clarified by resident Eric Freeman, and agreed upon by commissioners, was the fact that police must respond to state and federal laws governing them and that police are not simply employees of Cedar Key. Indeed, the takeaways were far from a complaint session. When asked direct questions, residents responded that they: • wanted police coverage twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; • believe that the number of younger children driving golf carts has lessened; • have enjoyed a positive, close working relationship with the police department; • feel safe in Cedar Key because of the city’s police personnel and prompt response. Discussion ensued about the Police Department’s costs, which amounts to approximately $500,000 of a two-million-dollar budget. Discussion included overtime pay, necessary because of the inability to attract and retain part-time officers due to the low $18.50 hourly pay rate, long travel distance, and lack of affordable lodging. Traffic control and safety at the marina traffic during peak hours was discussed. There have been volunteers and paid Marina attendants in the past that have successfully directed and controlled the launching of boats in the marina on weekends. Funding these positions was discussed but not resolved. The Cedar Key Police Department was mentioned as a possibility, but it was not feasible, financially or personal wise. Resolved issues were the following: • Daily interactions of the Cedar Key Police with businesses and residents was positive; • the understanding that commissioners want to hear more of the Police Department needs and updates from Police Chief Edwin Jenkins at monthly meetings; • In all ways possible, commissioners and the police would work together to contain spending. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm ******* .