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'I don't want to appear greedy'
By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK, Times Staff Writer BROOKSVILLE -- After a busy first month in the job, County Administrator Richard Radacky finally has gotten around to asking commissioners to set the terms of his employment. Radacky does not want much more than he already gets and has requested less than his predecessor earned. He is asking for a $92,000 annual salary, where Paul McIntosh earned $101,403. He wants $250 a month for travel expenses; McIntosh got $400. And he proposed no severance package, instead suggesting that he be allowed to return to the deputy administrator post if commissioners fire him or he resigns. McIntosh got a $65,000 package from commissioners as part of their mutual separation in March. "I don't want to appear greedy," said Radacky, a 17-year county employee who retires in June 2004. "My goal is to complete the (Deferred Retirement Option Program). That will give me money that is set aside for my retirement. I'd rather have that than a severance package." Radacky said the proposed deal also leaves room for commissioners to select his replacement before he leaves. "If they do want to hire someone six months before I retire, that'll be fine. I'll be here to help," he said. Commissioners said Radacky is performing well in the top job, and he deserves the 7.4 percent pay raise, additional week of vacation and other considerations. "He's an outstanding employee. He's done a wonderful job for Hernando County," Chairwoman Nancy Robinson said. "I don't have any problem looking at what he suggests." She was pleased that Radacky did not angle for the "big numbers," noting instead his true regard for the community. "He demonstrates that in a million ways," Robinson said. Commissioner Betty Whitehouse said the job guarantee through Radacky's scheduled retirement seemed only fair, especially considering his willingness to step into the administrator's job during difficult times. "It's not asking for a whole lot," Whitehouse said. "That would have been a concern I would have had anyway, to protect his retirement." Commissioner Diane Rowden also praised Radacky, and offered her support for his contract demands. "It's a lot lower than what we were paying," Rowden noted. "The only buyout that I see is that he has a job in the county. That I think is fair." The item is scheduled for consideration during the commission's Tuesday meeting. Radacky has yet to advertise the deputy administrator's job, which commissioners have indicated they will consider as a spot to groom the next county administrator. He has asked code enforcement director Frank McDowell III, assistant utilities director Stephanie Burkhardt and parks director Pat Fagan to help out in the meantime. None of those people are "trying out" for the post, Radacky said, and none has been offered the job. He said applications might uncover someone fresh who otherwise might have gone unnoticed.
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