STEVE REID
Editor & Publisher
[email protected]
Longboat Key Town Manager Tom Harmer has told the Town Commission that he wishes to retire and does not want to renew his contract.
Harmer started December 11, 2017 at $187,000 per year and his contract provides for an August 15, 2022 date for both parties to consider a 3-year extension. He wrote the Longboat Key Commission on July 24 that he wishes to step down.
Harmer replaced Dave Bullock when he was hired away from Sarasota County where he was serving as County Administrator.
Harmer wants to discuss the matter with the five town leaders at the July 1 Commission Meeting.
“Appointing a Manager is one of the most important decisions the Commission makes,” Harmer said in a memo.
The Town Charter that essentially says the manager works at the pleasure of the Commission and is paid what the Commission desires and the board appoints the manger with an affirmative vote of five members.
But Harmer wants the Commission to consider numerous other factors.
“As part of the next steps, I think it would be helpful for the Commission to discuss additional characteristics and experience they would like the next Manager to have.,” said Harmer.
The Commission can identify a candidate from within and promote, recruit directly, engage a headhunting form or perform a search through its own human resources department.
Harmer asked the Commissioners to ponder the following before the July 1 meeting:
Is Florida experience important?
Is coastal experience important?
Is experience in a certain size of local government and organization or the size of the budget important?
Are you looking for an experienced Manager or someone that may be interested in their first Manager’s position?
Is there a preferred background or project type experience?
Harmer spent eight years as City Manager of Titusville, Florida, as well as the Executive Director for Community Development and the Fire Chief and Emergency Manager positions. He previously served as Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Manager in Tallahassee.
Harmer worked in the private sector before coming to Sarasota County as Senior Vice President of The Pizzuti Companies, a national real estate developer. There he managed commercial and industrial projects.
Harmer holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Safety and Engineering Technology from the University of Cincinnati.
