Proposition Zero

The implications of Proposition 13 may have reached their ultimate end in Port Richey, Fla. (pop. 1,600). Two months ago, the voters decided to abolish their $135,000-a-year police force. Instead, they pay $70,000 for protection from the Pasco County sheriffs department, thus saving themselves $65,000. Now, former Councilman Robert Downey has asked why property owners have to pay $195,000 a year to the city. His solution: to abolish the city and make it an unincorporated section of the county. The community would pay only for fire protection and street lights, saving homeowners about 70% on their property taxes. The issue will go to a vote Dec. 12.

"There's 52 years of history behind this city," protests Port Richey Councilman Harold C. Loser. "I question giving that up." "Nonsense," scoffs Downey. "Fifty-two years is not much of a history. Half of our city is water and sawgrass marsh anyway."

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