11-03-2025
Status check: What's the next move for sheriff's office in Dunnellon?
The Dunnellon City Council appears willing to let go of the police department and let the Marion County Sheriff's Office officially oversee law enforcement in town.
In a special meeting held Monday afternoon to gauge the public's opinion on the subject, the council signaled its desire to temporarily adopt a "hybrid method" for police service.
If the concept is formally adopted at the council's Wednesday meeting, the sheriff's office will take oversight responsibility for law enforcement within the city limits. Presently, Lt. Julie Vowinkel, the MCSO Dunnellon district commander, is in charge of the city's police department in the absence of a police chief.
The city's charter requires a police chief. This can only be changed by referendum.
Mayor Walter Green said the police chief's responsibilities have yet to be defined in the hybrid plan. He said whomever is selected as chief will have substantial responsibilities, including serving as a liaison between the city and the MCSO.
Green said although Vowinkel is in charge of the police department, the chief won't be a token representative for the city. He said that person will be in the city, working day-to-day with the department and forwarding any concerns or problems to the council.
Capt. Ron Bray is currently serving as liaison and will continue to do so until a decision is made on a permanent police chief. Dunnellon police officers remain on the job and continue to patrol the city.
Vice Mayor Tim Inskeep wants Bray to fill the spot as the liaison. Council member Valerie Hanchar told colleagues they should wait before making a final decision.
Green, Inskeep, council members Hanchar, Rex Lehmann and Wally Dunn were all present Monday.
In November, former police Chief Chris Scaglione was placed on administrative leave when it was alleged he neglected to take care of what Inskeep felt were serious issues at the department.
Scaglione wasn't investigated and he and the city agreed to part ways. Scaglione continued to receive his salary and benefits until Jan. 31.
Vowinkel came on board as interim chief last month, according to the Agreement for Temporary Assumption of Law Enforcement Oversight and Assignment of Law Enforcement Executive that was signed by the sheriff and the mayor.
From 2008 to the present, the city has had four police chiefs. During that time, the sheriff's office have been called twice — now and in 2023 — to take the helm at the police department until city officials worked out a solution.
Vowinkel's salary is paid by the sheriff. She oversees the DPD and its officers, who patrol approximately 7.4 miles and protect close to 2,000 residents. Aside from Bray, there are six officers on staff.
The annual budget for the city's police department is roughly $1.4 million.
During Monday's meeting, the idea of a hybrid organization was floated by Lynne McAndrews during public comment. She said the hybrid period could be used as a trial to see if it's a viable full-time option.
Inskeep introduced a presentation on what would happen if the sheriff's office takes over law enforcement for the city. Included in the presentation was the number of deputies needed for the city, the cost of those deputies, deputies' responsibilities, and what the department structure would look like.
City officials said if police equipment is sold, then the proceeds would go to a special fund designated for law enforcement purposes. So far that account has more than $500,000.
Other speakers, including Doris Townsend and Butler Hagins, said there have been multiple break-ins in the city, and they want something done about it.
Vowinkel said of the 10 break-ins, nine occurred before the city asked for the sheriff's office's assistance. She said a detective has been investigating the incidents.
Former Dunnellon Police Chief Joanne Black said it's sad that no speaker talked about preserving the police department. Black said she hopes community policing will be the focal point, regardless of whether the police department is retained.
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Those sentiments were echoed by Brenda D'Arville. She said she supports the police department.
In other city news, Green told the audience that longtime resident Clinton Burns is sick and needs their prayers.
Burns, who turned 103 in January, is an auxiliary police officer and World War II veteran.
Contact Austin L. Miller at
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: What's the latest on the sheriff's office work in Dunnellon, Florida?
