BELLEAIR â The Town Commission may install a temporary replacement for Mayor Gary H. Katica â who has been absent for treatment of Parkinsonâs disease since October â to ensure there are enough votes to close down the cityâs water department in January.
With Katica out of reach, only four commissioners are now available for that vote. The city charter requires a supermajority vote when creating or disbanding a city department.
Deputy Mayor Karla Rettstatt brought up the predicament Dec. 1 as the commission discussed whether to switch to Pinellas Countyâs water supply or build its own $14 million reverse osmosis plant. The commission hopes to vote in time to meet construction deadlines.