TAMPA - Police Chief Bennie Holder better not pack his bags.
Holder might have to remain in his job for several weeks after his official retirement Aug. 23.
Mayor Pam Iorio wants to pay Holder as a consultant so he can remain in his position until she finds a replacement. He would get as much as $15,000 under a consulting agreement, which the City Council will consider Thursday.
Iorio hoped to name a new police chief by Holder's retirement date, which can't be postponed because of Holder's enrollment in the state Deferred Retirement OptionProgram. But since Iorio decided in July to look across the nation for a chief, she might not have a replacement ready by then.
Holder might not need to stick around long if Iorio names an internal candidate as chief, she said.
If she picks a chief from outside Tampa, it might take at least a month for the person to give notice and move.
