City of Sarasota utilities director resigns

Sarasota interim City Manager Terry Lewis confirmed for the Sarasota Observer Thursday that city Utilities Director Javier Vargas resigned Wednesday afternoon, effective immediately.

“There was a difference of opinion on leadership expectations and how I believe his department should be operated,” Lewis said.

Asked if Vargas had any other options other than to resign, Lewis said, “No.”

Lewis informed the Public Works Department and city employees of the resignation this morning.

Lewis declined to comment on what led to Vargas’ resignation, but he said it wasn’t a major issue and didn’t involve budget issues or how the department operates financially.

“One of my responsibilities as interim city manager has been to observe the leadership of city directors,” Lewis said.

When asked if he had any issues with any other city employees or directors at this time, Lewis said he did not.

“I’m very impressed with the quality of both directors and employees this city has,” Lewis said. “Their competence and dedication during very difficult budget times has been exemplary.”

Vargas was the city’s utilities director for close to two years and a city employee for a total of 11 years.

In the interim, former Public Works and Utilities Director Bill Hallesy has agreed to come out of retirement to lead the utilities department at Lewis’ request. Jesse Foreman, a senior foreman in the utilities department that was retiring on Friday, has agreed to stay on during the transition as well.

Lewis said the new city manager the Sarasota City Commission chooses in July will be responsible for finding a permanent replacement.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].