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Politics

Belleair has a new kind of leader

Manager Micah Maxwell, hired earlier this month, meets weekly with his boss, the Town Commission.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published September 29, 2006

BELLEAIR - Micah Maxwell took the reins as permanent town manager less than a month after officials fired Steve Cottrell from the post.

Commissioners voted to hire Maxwell, 30, earlier this month. And last week, they approved a three-year contract for him that will pay him $85,000 a year.

Maxwell had been serving as interim town manager since mid August.

"He has great mannerisms, and he's a very intelligent guy," said Town Commissioner Gary Katica. "Micah brings in a whole new type of management."

Most commissioners had been critical of Cottrell's attitude and ability to keep them informed.

Maxwell has scheduled weekly meetings with commissioners. He also aims to improve the town's communication with residents, he said.

Cottrell was paid $91,770 annually and his contract entitled him to six months' severance pay.

Maxwell was hired as assistant to Cottrell in July 2004 and was promoted to assistant town manager last October.

He assumes leadership at a tenuous time for the town of about 4,100 people.

The Police Department has been in turmoil since the chief resigned in March. The town recently surveyed residents on whether they wanted to keep their Police Department or contract with the Sheriff's Office for services. Fifty-six percent of residents who returned their surveys by the Thursday deadline said they want to keep the department, according to the town's Web site.

Commissioners are scheduled to make a decision on the matter on Tuesday.

Maxwell said he's prepared to deal with either outcome.

He said his father, Jerry, who has 30 years of city and county management experience, has offered him a bit of general leadership advice. His father currently serves as general manager of Tampa Bay Water.

Maxwell, a former intern for the city of Clearwater, said he also relies on the wisdom of Clearwater leaders: City Manager Bill Horne and Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback.

"It's nice to have them on my border," Maxwell said.

Lorri Helfand can be reached at 445-4155 or lorri@sptimes.com.

[Last modified September 29, 2006, 07:13:49]