Commission wants 'interim' taken out of manager's title

The word “interim” has been hovering around David Bullock’s town manager title since October when the Longboat Key Town Commission approved his contract.

But the word could soon be a thing of the past.

Vice Mayor David Brenner suggested at the end of the Monday, May 7, regular meeting that the commission drop the word and enter into a more permanent agreement with Bullock.

Town Attorney David Persson said that the commission could extend the length of Bullock’s contract, which expires Sept. 15, 2012, and gives the option to renew.

Persson suggested as an alternative that the commission could “put to rest” the possibility of conducting a nationwide search for a permanent town manager — the path that the commission initially planned to take in finding a long-term replacement for former Town Manager Bruce St. Denis, who held the position since 1997.

Brenner said that although the latter was his original intention, he is happy with Bullock.

“We could go through a nationwide search,” he said. “I know darn-well we would not get a better candidate than we already have.”

Commissioner Lynn Larson asked that any future contract reflect a state law passed last year that typically limits severance pay for government employees to 20 weeks.

St. Denis received a severance package totaling $268,364.81 — the equivalent of one year’s base salary, deferred compensation and medical-insurance premium contributions, in addition to unused vacation time — an agreement that was legal because it predated the law passed last year.

Larson also praised Bullock but said that she didn’t think any pay raises would be appropriate in the town’s current budget situation.

“Did anybody say that?” asked Mayor Jim Brown.

“No, but I’m making that perfectly clear before we start,” Larson said.

“Just for my perfect clarity, I wouldn’t accept a salary increase if you offered it,” Bullock said.

The commission directed Persson to begin drawing up language for a new contract. Commissioners didn’t give specifics about what they wanted the contract to include; however, any individual commissioner can speak privately with the town attorney about the contract or any other issue without violating Sunshine laws.

Prior to becoming town manager, Bullock worked for Sarasota County for 17 years, including 14 years as deputy county administrator. He receives an annual salary of $180,000 in addition to a retirement contribution of $32,040 per year, or 17.8% of his salary.

Bullock’s current one-year contract allows for 30 days’ severance if terminated without cause but does not allow for severance if the commission does not opt for renewal.