After public outcry, Marco Island council drops plan to pursue Sheriff replacement and affirms support for MIPD

The meeting turned to an extended and sometimes heated discussion about a recent staff request to gather information from the Collier County Sheriff's Office on potential cost‑savings and service integrations. Several councilors said the original language and scope of the request had been interpreted by members of the public as an effort to replace the Marco Island Police Department (MIPD), prompting public concern and signs on the island.

Public commenters—including Elliot Mascoop and other residents—spoke strongly in support of MIPD and asked the council to abandon any effort to replace the department. "This is the kind of thing that, in my opinion, should never have been brought up…leave the police and the fire alone," Elliot Mascoop said during public comment.

Councilor Schwan said the initial request was intended to explore cost‑savings options, not to defund or replace the city's police department. After extended debate, Chair Palumbo asked for a clear consensus motion to stop pursuing a replacement option. The chair announced a roll-call-style consensus: "All those who consent not pursuing switching to the Collier County Sheriff's Office, raise your hand." The chair recorded all seven council members in favor and stated, "We are taking that option off the table."

Councilors and staff then agreed that, with the replacement option off the table, it remains appropriate for staff to examine potential integration points or efficiencies with the sheriff and to invite the sheriff to brief the council on service coordination—so long as the city's intent to retain MIPD is clear. Interim Chief and MIPD representatives confirmed an ongoing collaborative relationship with the sheriff's office and did not object to a sheriff briefing on coordination.

The council's action calmed immediate public concern but left open staff work on possible efficiencies and an informational sheriff briefing at a future meeting.