Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
BILL VARIANMike McWeeny, who led the Hillsborough agency since 1985, steps down as authorities investigate bidding practices.
TAMPA - The longtime head of Hillsborough County's Water Department resigned Friday, as sheriff's deputies continued an investigation of alleged bidding irregularities within his offices.
Mike McWeeny tendered his resignation after meeting earlier Friday with his supervisor to discuss ongoing managerial concerns within the Water Department, said County Administrator Pat Bean.
She stopped short of calling the resignation forced, referring more detailed questions to the supervisor, Assistant County Administrator Bernardo Garcia.
Garcia could not be reached for comment after work hours Friday. "Mike is an excellent engineer," said Bean, reached at an airport while returning from an out of town conference. "There have been concerns about some management issues over the last few years that I'm aware of. But I would like him to go out with whatever dignity he can."
Bean notified commissioners of the resignation by phone Friday afternoon.
McWeeny, 64, who is a year from being able to retire with full benefits, said it was simply time to move on.
"I figured, upon reflection, that it was time to retire," McWeeny said. "I just thought it was time for me to do it. People tend to want to work where they're having a good time. The environment in Hillsborough County appears to be changing.
McWeeny has headed the Water Department since 1985 and oversaw large-scale expansion of the county's water and wastewater systems. As director, he oversees an annual budget of more than $100-million, a five-year capital construction program of nearly a half-billion dollars and 660 employees.
The department also recommends water rates and restrictions, making it a regular subject of public and political ire. McWeeny's department has been the subject of repeated criticisms from commissioners over management issues.
Recently, the criticisms have become more pointed.
Last year, a painting contractor alleged that he was passed over for work that was ultimately given to an unlicensed contractor. A preliminary review by the county indicated that the situation might not be isolated.
Bean subsequently won approval to spend as much as $200,000 to hire outside consultants Ernst & Young to review allegations, which include improper use of county credit cards and breaking up work awarded to outside contractors to skirt bidding requirements.
The Sheriff's Office is also investigating the allegations, and deputies visited various Water Department offices this week to speak to employees.
The Water Department also has been the subject of recent workplace complaints alleging discrimination.
McWeeny said the allegations influenced his decision to resign. Bean also said they also played a role in McWeeny's departure.
"I think the timing probably has a connection, yes," she said.