OBSCENE CLAUSE COSTS TAXPAYERS BIG BUCKS
Here is the obscene clause that cost us taxpayers $XXX dollars.
Note the very deceptive wording. Also note the only allowable reasons to fire him were very narrowly defined and that ACTUAL JOB PERFORMANCE WAS NOT one of the five reasons.
6. Termination.
A. Termination Procedures. The DIRECTOR shall only be terminated or
dismissed as provided herein.
B. Dismissal Without Cause.
(1) In the event the DIRECTOR is dismissed without cause or notice not
to renew the Agreement is given (Paragraph 3.B), he shall receive as severance benefits a lump-sum cash payment in an amount equal to twenty (20) weeks of his then yearly salary. All accrued benefits, including unused vacation and sick leave, shall be paid to DIRECTOR in addition to the severance pay. The COUNTY will also provide for all insurance for a period of twenty (20) weeks.
(2) If the DIRECTOR resigns following a suggestion by a majority of the
Board of County Commissioners at a regularly scheduled or specially called meeting that he resign, the DIRECTOR may, at his option, be deemed to be dismissed without cause and shall receive as severance benefits a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to that provide in Section 6.8(1 ) above.
C. Dismissal for Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, “dismissal for
cause” shall include:
(1) Physical or mental incapacity certified by two practicing physicians as
being sufficiently disabling to prevent the DIRECTOR from performing his duties as DIRECTOR for a period in excess of 90 consecutive days beyond any accrued sick and annual leave balances;
(2) Conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of the commission of a
felony or the violation of any statute relating to the conduct of public employees;
(3) Flagrant neglect of duty.
(4) Being intoxicated or using illegal drugs while on duty.
(5) Misconduct as defined in Florida Statutes Section 443.036(30).
Full Tom Patton contract here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2AZ0CKLiNHibmVURkJsS2R3ZkE/view
