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MTPO approves executive director contract with revised severance and moving terms
Summary
The Gainesville–Alachua MTPO approved an employment contract for Executive Director Whitfield that raises severance and extends relocation assistance; board members debated suspension language and county funding rules before passing the motion.
The Gainesville–Alachua Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization voted to approve an employment contract for its executive director after board members reached agreement on severance, a vehicle allowance and extended relocation assistance.
Director Whitfield and county staff had circulated two draft contracts; County Attorney Corbin Hansen told the board that “there was never an offer of 20 weeks” from county HR and that prior templates (used for other agencies) likely caused confusion. Board members then negotiated contract terms at the table. Commissioner Cornell moved to modify the draft to include a lump‑sum severance payment of 20 weeks, a vehicle allowance listed in the draft as "$4.50" and moving‑expense coverage extended to six months; the motion was seconded and approved, with one member recorded in opposition.
Several members also flagged an unusual suspension clause in the draft that would have required 10 days’ written notice before placing the executive director on paid suspension. Commissioners asked staff to strike or amend that paragraph; staff agreed to remove the 10‑day notice language and make the suspension language effective immediately if retained.
County staff and the assistant county manager, Heather Akbahn, confirmed that reimbursement rules tied to federal PL funds differ from local funds and that some relocation reimbursements are governed by a county three‑month policy. Corbin Hansen said the 20‑week severance number in a previously seen template belonged to a different agency’s template and was not a formal county offer in this search process.
The board also discussed residence requirements and moving timelines; Director Whitfield said she has secured a residence in Gainesville and asked that relocation assistance align with the time needed to close on her new home.
The motion passed and the chair directed staff to prepare the finalized contract language reflecting the board’s changes.
Next steps: staff will produce a final contract draft incorporating the severance, updated vehicle allowance language (the draft amount in the packet was unclear) and six‑month moving assistance, and will return it for filing and implementation.
