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Contract Talks Set With County Attorney Choice

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By JULIA FERRANTE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 8, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - County commissioners have directed their vice chairman, Ted Schrader, to negotiate a contract with Jeffrey Steinsnyder, whom they named the next county attorney on Tuesday.

Schrader, who is expected to become board chairman in two weeks as part of an annual rotation, said Wednesday he had spoken with Steinsnyder on the phone and plans to meet with him to discuss salary, benefits and a starting date. Schrader also has asked Personnel Director Barbara De Simone to find out what surrounding counties pay their chief attorneys so that Pasco may make a competitive offer.

"I really think Jeff was the one we needed to get in, and I hope we can get him under contract," said Schrader, who, early in the interview process, supported Steinsnyder as his top choice.

There is no salary range for the county attorney position and no standard perks, De Simone said. Robert Sumner, who plans to retire Dec. 31, is paid $164,416. His chief assistant, Barbara Wilhite, who also was a finalist for the position, is paid $125,000.

Sumner negotiated to have four weeks of vacation upfront each year, rather than having to accrue it weekly, De Simone said. New employees usually get 12 days vacation in their first year, but Steinsnyder could negotiate for a different amount.

If Steinsnyder and the board cannot reach an agreement, which commissioners said is unlikely, it could be back to the drawing board on a search.

"I guess we would have to revisit the issue," said Commissioner Michael Cox. "I don't think that's going to be the case."

At Tuesday's meeting in Dade City, Cox pushed for Steinsnyder to be appointed two weeks after his first choice, Land O' Lakes lawyer Tim Hayes, did not get enough votes of support. He said he changed his mind about Steinsnyder after a one-on-one interview and was impressed that he is board certified in city, county and local government law.

Wilhite had been the frontrunner two weeks earlier, with an apparent three votes of support, but commissioners said they wanted the decision to be unanimous. Cox and Commissioner Jack Mariano did not support her.

Hildebrand said she also had spoken with Steinsnyder and expected that he would accept the job.

"He said he was looking forward to working here, and he said he was grateful for a unanimous vote," she said.

"While it's not the be-all, end-all, it kind of makes for a good introduction, particularly for someone outside of the county."

Mariano also did not have a backup plan but would probably want to start the process again, rather than choosing from the remaining finalists.

"I'd want to pick from a positive standpoint,"

he said.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

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