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LeCouris Offers To Guide Tarpon Through Tough Times

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By Mark  Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: July 5, 2008

TARPON SPRINGS - TARPON SPRINGS - Tuesday night, interim City Manager Mark LeCouris showed the City Commission a slide show focusing on the city's "challenges of the future."

Then LeCouris again offered to tackle those challenges while commissioners evaluate whether he is worthy of holding the city's manager's job on a permanent basis.

While most commissioners expressed varying levels of trust in LeCouris and willingness to give him a tryout as city manager, the commission is still considering conducting a search for a city manager with the help of a search firm.

Commissioners decided to hear from search firm representatives at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4.

The City Commission has been pondering how to fill the city manager's job since April, when Ellen Posivach resigned after nine years on the job.

LeCouris, who has been police chief for 15 years, said he has been getting on-the-job training in city administration for the last nine years while serving double duty as acting administrative services director. He also served as acting city manager when Posivach was out of time.

Some commissioners have expressed concern that most of LeCouris' academic training is primarily in law enforcement, not municipal management.

Tuesday night LeCouris said he only wants to help get the city through the next two years, which he expects to be tough going for local government. He repeated previous offers to do this without a contract or a pay increase.

"I know it sounds corny, but I just love this city," LeCouris said in explaining the ardor with which he is seeking the city manager's post.

Commissioner Robin Saenger said she recognizes LeCouris' integrity and ability to lead. Nevertheless, she would like to know who else is out there and what passion and fresh ideas someone other than LeCouris might bring to the city.

It is difficult to select someone from a list of one, Saenger added.

Mayor Beverley Billiris said she would like the selection process to continue, whether the city hires a search firm or conducts the job hunt in house. LeCouris would be guaranteed a position on the city's short list of city manager candidates, even though he does not hold a degree in public administration, the mayor said.

Morale is up among city staff and residents are more satisfied with municipal operations since Posivach departed, Commissioner Chris Alahouzos said. He has confidence in LeCouris' ability to lead and is willing to give him six months to prove he can do the job, followed by an evaluation, he said.

Commissioner Susan Slattery agreed with Alahouzos, suggesting LeCouris serve as city manager for six months and then be evaluated. He has shown ability to lead the city and improve morale among staff, Slattery said.

Commissioner Peter Dalacos said he also has total confidence in LeCouris' ability to lead. He said, however, he would like to know what costs the city would incur during a city manager search and how difficult it would be to attract good candidates.

Mark Schantz is available at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.

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