- April 20, 2024
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Less than one month after former Volusia County Manager Jim Dinneen's "retirement," he appears to be finding his way back to local government as he was named by the Tampa Bay Times as one of six semi-finalists to become Pinellas County's new administrator.
According to the newspaper's article on June 29, Dinneen and the rest of the semi-finalists were picked out of a batch of 45 nationwide candidates. As Pinellas County Administrator Mark Woodard is planning to retire later this year, the newspaper reported that whoever is hired in his stead will oversee 2,000 employees and a budget of $2.2 billion.
Volusia County's operating budget for 2017-18 totaled $712,641,123. If hired, Dinneen will manage a county with almost double of the population of Volusia, according to 2015 census data.
Dinneen announced his retirement in mid-June. A few days later at the Volusia County Council meeting on June 19, he was relieved of his contract obligation to serve a six-month transition period. Aside from severance benefits, which Volusia County Councilwoman Heather Post unsuccessfully attempted to disqualify under just cause, he also received a little under $250,000 — a sum equal to a one-year's salary.
After 12 years, Dinneen left the County after a period of public scrutiny over issues surrounding the Medical Examiner's Office and understaffing in the County's EVAC services.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that Pinellas County Commissioners will be reviewing the six candidates over the following weeks, with the plan to narrow down the list on July 19. The newspaper reported a decision could be reached in late August.
