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Head of Lealman Fire Commission resigns
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA LEALMAN -- Less than 24 hours after refusing to sign the fire chief's new contract, Linda Campbell resigned as head of the Lealman Fire Commission. Campbell has been at odds with the other four board members over her constant questioning of fire Chief Rick Graham. Campbell said she felt other board members wanted to block her questions and allow Graham free rein. "Effective this date, I respectfully submit my resignation as chairperson of the board of fire commissioners for the Lealman Special Fire Control District," Campbell wrote in a memo Thursday. "I will, however, continue to serve the community that has elected me in the capacity of commissioner with no additional duties or titles. When new officers are selected in November 2002, I respectfully request that my name not be used for nomination of any officer position.'" While retaining her seat on the board, Campbell said she would leave the commission if she felt the group's future actions would harm the community. "If I can't make a positive difference, if I can't make a positive impact, I will walk away," she said. Campbell's latest spat with the board came during Wednesday's meeting when she objected to the commission giving Graham a 10-year contract. "I'm not signing this," Campbell said, sitting back with her arms firmly folded. Campbell argued that a 10-year contract was much longer than offered by other fire districts. The next longest term is in Spring Hill, where the fire chief has a six-year contract. She also objected to benefit payout provisions if Graham were to be terminated or if he resigned. "You have a fiduciary responsibility to the public," she told the commission, urging them not to approve the contract. Graham's present salary of $67,862 is a benchmark for future increases, which under the new contract are to be renegotiated each year within a 3 percent to 10 percent range. The contract calls for Graham to receive at least the same insurance, sick leave, vacation and retirement benefits as all other fire district employees. The rest of the commission did not share the chairwoman's concerns. "I don't have a problem with it," said Vice Chairman Michael Brophy. Graham, who has been Lealman's chief for two years, said he wanted the longer-term contract to give him greater security, particularly because of the possibility all Pinellas fire departments may be consolidated into a countywide system. He stressed that by allowing the commission to fire him, even without cause, the agreement was effectively a six-month contract. He also argued that the benefit payout is "no different" from what is offered all firefighters. "I just want the same," Graham said. "What is wrong with that?" Campbell's continuing opposition, even after a 4-1 vote in favor of the contract, fueled a sometimes angry argument over the organization's bylaws. "If you don't sign it, you are in violation of the bylaws," Commissioner Rebecca Harriman said Wednesday. "If I refuse, then Vice Chairman Brophy can sign it," Campbell said. "The bylaws say you have to sign all contracts whether you are against them or not," insisted Harriman, as she proceeded to read the duties of the fire district chairman. "Fine, I'm still not signing it," Campbell said. "Fine, I'll sign on behalf of the commission as vice chairman," Brophy said. When Brophy passed the contract among the other commissioners for their initialed agreement, Campbell ignored the document and impatiently asked, "Can we get on with the meeting?" Graham's contract, which goes into effect immediately, is for a renewable 10-year term but allows the commission to fire him "with cause" at any time when a "super majority" of four commissioners agree. In this scenario, Graham would be guaranteed payment of any unused vacation time up to a maximum of 850 hours. Any further severance would be at the discretion of the commission. He would be able to appeal the termination through binding arbitration. If this or a future commission fires him "without cause" (also requiring a "super majority" vote), Graham's severance package calls for a payment of six months' salary as well as all accrued but unused vacation and holiday time. Graham also can resign at any time, providing he gives the district 60 days' notice. In this event, he would receive only payment for any accrued vacation and sick time. Campbell did not contest Graham's proposed salary of $72,612 for the coming year. This is an increase of $4,750, or almost 7 percent, over his current salary. According to Deputy Chief David Brown, Graham's new salary is one of the lowest for any of the county's 11 fire chiefs. The proposed 2002-03 budget, including Graham's new pay rate, was approved unanimously by the commission. The $4.9-million budget is about $230,000, or 5 percent, higher than current spending levels. "Our operational expenses have increased. It's the cost of doing business," Graham explained. The commission also approved a tax rate of 5.32 mills, slightly less than the current millage rate, but 5.9 percent higher than the roll-back rate which would have kept average tax bills unchanged. Increased property values, as well as a small increase in what Kenneth City pays for fire service, will cover the increased costs. A new three-year union contract was also approved, calling for a 4 percent increase in salaries for firefighters this year. Similar increases will occur in subsequent years. A final budget hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. -- Staff writer Anne Lindberg contributed to this report.
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From the Times South Pinellas desks Letters |
