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Fractious tax district looks for manager
By LOGAN D. MABE, Times Staff Writer NORTHDALE -- Operating without an administrator since New Year's Eve, Northdale Special Tax District members hired a temporary replacement and are considering another applicant for the long term. The board voted unanimously this week to give the job to Donald Moses for the next few months, but not after some controversy. Moses took over most of the administrative duties after Diane Montgomery's contract expired Dec. 31. Montgomery had worked for the tax district for about 12 years and often subcontracted accounting work to Moses, who has property management experience with Greenacre Properties. Moses got off to a rough start with several board members from the beginning. Board member Gary Moore tried to lodge a complaint with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's office when Moses did not turn over tape recordings of meeting minutes. Because Moses wasn't under contract at the time, he sought legal counsel on the tapes issue. "When I got called and threatened with criminal prosecution, I needed to protect myself as I see fit," said Moses, who paid $250 to an attorney. "Then after that, two days later (board member) Winfield (Webster) got on me." Board member Jean Hill also found fault with Moses over the tapes issue. Moses gave the tapes to Moore at Tuesday night's meeting, putting the issue to rest. Under the terms of the contract the board approved, Moses will be paid $2,250 for work he already did in January and will continue to make that monthly rate for February and beyond, depending on how long his services are needed. Moses said he is not interested in applying for the job permanently because he felt intimidated by some board members. "You're constantly in fear for doing the right thing," Moses said. "For $2,250 a month, it's not worth it. Is it worth it to deal with this type of situation? I just can't believe that this is a way to live." Next month, the board will consider Montgomery's permanent replacement. The position was advertised in January, but only one person applied: Richard Pitrowski, president of Communities of America Inc. in Valrico. He wants $2,708 a month. Pitrowski also is the administrator for the taxing districts at Logan Gate Village and Bloomingdale. Northdale board members will consider his bid at their next meeting in March. - Logan D. Mabe can be reached at 269-5304 or at mabe@sptimes.com.
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