LIMITS. By John F. Bailey. June 22, 2004: The City of Fort Lauderdale made it official Tuesday that George Gretsas is coming on down. The public information office of Fort Lauderdale acknowledged that the “contract is fully executed” and Mr. Gretsas will be starting work in “The Venice of America” on August 2. Mr. Gretsas has signed a contract that he could not, in his right mind refuse.

THE $238,906 MAN: George Gretsas, officially now the New City Manager of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, announced this morning by that city. Mr. Gretsas is shown at the demolition of the old Macy's in April, 2002. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

A copy of the contract released to the media,  reveals that Mr. Gretsas is free to consult during his “time off” from his new City Manager position, with no restrictions on who he can consult for. In addition, he is guaranteed a raise each year, plus more merit raises if the City Commissioners feel he’s done a good job. Gretsas, should he run into problems and is dismissed gets a lucrative severance.

Mayor of the City of Fort Lauderdale, James Naugle, in a statement issued to WPCNR Tuesday evening expressed confidence in the city's choice: "We look forward To Mr. Gretsas joining our City. Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant city and I am confident that someone of George Gretsas's character will be a good fit."

Making Half the President of the United States.

Gretsas’ contract is for three years from August 2, 2003 to August 2, 2007, and it automatically renews, unless the City Commission votes to remove him.

His total compensation and benefits pack for year is $238,906, which includes $180,000 in base salary with an automatic $5,000 raise in year 2 and another automatic raise to $185,000 in year 2, and $190,000 in year 3.

However, if Mr. G does a good job, the City Commission may consider him for a merit raise bringing him to $193,000 in Year Two in base salary, and as much as $205,000 in year 3.

He also gets a $590 a month car allowance, plus 8.060 FICA, $36,072 in pension contribution, $331 in life insurance, $2,636 in Disability Insurance, and $4,727 in medical and dental benefits. His total first year compensation package is $238,906.

Golden Parachute.

If things do not work out, Mr. Gretsas walks off with a generous severance. If he is fired the first year, he receives 10 months’ salary and benefits as a severance. If released in the second year, he gets 8 months’ salary and benefits, and if terminated in the third year and following years, he gets 6 months’ salary and benefits.

Free to Consult, Write, Teach.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is also very generous in not limiting what Mr. Gretsas can do in his spare time. A specific paragraph in the contract spells out that the City Manager has the right to teach, consult or write “during time off from working duties of the City Manager.”

The actual clause reads:

(D) City Manager agrees to remain in the exclusive emply of City and shall not accept other employment nor tobecome employed by any other City until his termination date as provided in this Contract. This paragraph shall not effect the City Manager’s right to participate in occasional teaching, consulting or writing during the time off from working duties of the City Manager.

The contract does not place any prohibitions on what firms, entities, and organizations the City Manager can teach, write and consult for.

Mayors' Offices Silent.

As of this hour, the City of Fort Lauderdale has not released any statements regarding the announcement of the contract, and the City of White Plains has not issued any comments on when Mr. Gretsas’ last day of employment will be, what his accrued sick pay and unused vacation pay will be, or who Mr. Gretsas’ successor, if any, will be as the Mayor’s Executive Officer.

The official departure of Mr. Gretsas raises the question of whether Mr. Gretsas will bring members of the Delfino Administration with him to Fort Lauderdale.

WPCNR has not been able to reach Mr. Gretsas for comments on when he is leaving White Plains, who he might bring with him, or whether he will continue to consult for the City of White Plains after his departure.