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Tom Willie's Options and Consequences
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TOM WILLI’S OPTIONS AND CONSEQUENCES*
Monroe County Administrator Tom Willi’s contract, which expires Oct. 30, 2008, outlines these options and consequences of early termination:
HE RESIGNS
The county would owe him nothing, but could negotiate a settlement.
HE IS FIRED WITHOUT CAUSE
The county could cancel the contract 30 days after giving him written notice, which would have to be approved by a majority of county commissioners at a public meeting. Within 15 days of being fired, he would receive $114,400 in salary; cash for his unused leave (vacation, personal and sick days) and cell phone fees; a nine-month continuation of payments for health insurance, life insurance, retirement contributions, and professional and civic memberships.
HE IS FIRED WITH CAUSE
Cause would include lying; being convicted of a felony or moral turpitude; violating county codes, the terms of his contract, or the county’s drug policy; gross neglect or willful and intentional misconduct; and/or refusing to cooperate in an investigation into any aspect of county business. The county would have to notify him 15 days before the agenda deadline for the County Commission meeting in which he would be fired, and give him a detailed written statement limited to specific reasons, with dates, times and locations they occurred.
COMMISSIONERS BLAME TOM WILLI FOR THESE PROBLEMS
*Airport terminal:*
The Federal Aviation Administration is holding millions of dollars in Monroe County grant money, jeopardizing $30.5 million in bond money earmarked for a new terminal under construction at Key West International Airport, until the contractor complies with FAA grant requirements. Willi recommended the hiring of the law firm used by the airport contractor and paying the bills for both entities.
*Budget shortfall:*
The county budgeted $1.1 million more than it had, has no cash reserves and faces a $5 million deficit, prompting Willi to cut spending by $2.7 million and increase revenue by $2.4 million. Many say a tax increase will be next.
*380 agreements:*
Willi touted three-way agreements between the county, state and developers to encourage affordable housing construction, an end run around the county’s own comprehensive plan — a practice the state Department of Community Affairs said it will no longer approve.
18-hour evacuation time:
Some feel Willi misinformed the governor and Cabinet that Florida Keys officials had agreed it would take only 18 hours to evacuate before a hurricane, prompting the former to approve a report that eventually could allow more development.
*Growth Management director:*
Ty Symroski resigned, saying he and Willi lacked chemistry.
*Hickory House and Vandenberg*:
Some feel Willi is pushing the controversial projects, agreeing to pay too high a price for the former and shuffling county money around — possibly spending wastewater funds in the process — for the latter.
*Airport terminal and Justice Center:*
The county is paying more and getting less than contracts specify for both construction projects. The airport was supposed to cost $25 million, but the county is paying an additional $3 million and agreed to shave $2 million off the plans. The Freeman Justice Center caused problems before Willi became administrator, but they continued under his leadership with cost overruns and construction delays.
*Affordable housing: *
Some question whether paying an affordable-housing consultant at least $250,000 was the best use of funding. Attorney Jerry Coleman's charges continue to grow but the affordable housing issue shows no signs of improvement. Willi also pushed two controversial ordinances, killed by public outcry, to increase height and density for affordable housing.
*Sterling Award:*
The county is paying a consultant $537,512 to help it meet the criteria for the program, which recognizes excellence in organization and management. The Florida Sterling Council does not endorse consultants, saying it should cost only $10,000 because former winners volunteer to coach agencies.
