Administrator gets high marks on evaluation

Dan Kleman's work is judged "outstanding'' and he gets a 5.5 percent raise, but some board members remain critical.

By BILL VARIAN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published November 9, 2001

TAMPA -- After months of grilling Dan Kleman over his performance as county administrator, Hillsborough commissioners on Thursday gave him largely favorable marks and a 5.5 percent pay increase.

Using a numerical scale of one to five, the average mark commissioners gave Kleman, who only weeks ago was considering leaving the county, was four. According to the grading sheet, the score meant commissioners, on balance, consider Kleman's work "outstanding."

Commissioner Ronda Storms, by her own personal policy, declined to provide Kleman with a written evaluation, so her views weren't factored into the numerical score. She said she gave Kleman her evaluation in private.

The raise pushes Kleman's annual salary to $160,265.

"Mr. Kleman has performed well and his raise should reflect that," said Commissioner Tom Scott, one of Kleman's closest allies on the commission, and who had proposed a 6 percent raise.

The vote on Kleman's salary was 4-3, with Storms, Stacey Easterling and Pat Frank opposed. While Storms declined to discuss Kleman's work, she said the approved pay raise was overly generous.

"I just think it's unseemly," she said. "We're talking an enormous amount for someone who is already doing quite well."

Each of the commissioners received suggested evaluation forms from Kleman, but few of the commissioners offered detailed written remarks. Commissioner Jan Platt gave Kleman the highest numerical score, which was an average of grades in several categories.

In notes, Platt applauded Kleman for representing the county well and recruiting quality staff, but said he needs to do better at explaining consequences of board decisions.

Frank, chairwoman of the commission, scored Kleman lowest at 2.88. She called Kleman "bright and personable," but said Kleman needed to make sure commissioners weren't surprised by late information on critical issues, a continuing complaint of hers.

Commissioners had voiced repeated criticism of Kleman's responsiveness in delaying for months a decision on extending his employment contract. They finally agreed to a four-year contract last month after Kleman revealed he had applied for the county administrator opening in Pinellas County.

- Bill Varian can be reached at (813) 226-3387 or varian@sptimes.com.

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