- April 28, 2024
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At the final Volusia County Council meeting of 2013, council members awarded 3% pay raises to the county manager and county attorney.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
For its final meeting of the year, Volusia County Council members evaluated County Manager Jim Dinneen and County Attorney Dan Eckert. Both received 3% pay raises.
Positive evaluations were given by council members to both individuals. Dinneen was applauded for his leadership and effort.
“We have been able to maintain and do so much with even less,” Vice Chairwoman Joyce Cusack said. “And I think that’s based on leadership. You don’t always agree with your leader, but you can always respect a good leader. I believe that Jim Dinneen has demonstrated without a doubt his leadership ability to lead this county in a positive direction.”
Council member Doug Daniels said there was no doubt that Dinneen has been a great, energetic manager, and that he deserves a medal for dealing with this council. He did express some doubts with the five-year forecast and creating a plan with outstanding issues, though, Waverly in particular.
“I know I sound like a broken record, but we need to get a strategic plan going,” Daniels said. “The thing that’s hanging around is the Waverly mess and, until that gets resolved, it is hard to say where we are. I hope it gets resolved in 60 days, but now it’s just one of those things that’s hanging around. “
For the evaluation of Eckert, some council members addressed the difficult position he was in due to the Waverly investigation, and the council’s decision to hire an outside attorney.
“I know it is difficult for you in where we are right now,” council member Deborah Denys said. “I am not an attorney and happy not to be, especially now. “
Still, Denys said, “I respect that you are the attorney for the county and you have done due diligence in your follow-up to us and in your recommendation.”
Council member Patricia Northey said, “and if we choose to disgard them, like we have in the past on one particular issue, please don’t take it personal. It’s just a different set of opinions on where we are going.”
