DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Volusia County Council on Tuesday voted to relieve County Manager Jim Dinneen of his duties effective Friday.
Dinneen announced his retirement last week after more than 12 years on the job. His contract called for a six-month transition period, but several leaders, including Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, urged the council to remove Dinneen from his post immediately.
While Dinneen oversaw economic development during his tenure and has left the county in a position to be debt-free, his office has faced public backlash in recent months.
"You have a county manager who operates in the dark," Chitwood said. "He has misled the community. He has misled the County Council."
In May, the chief medical examiner resigned after a month on the job, listing a number of problems in the office that she described as "potentially dangerous."
Since then, the Coalition of Volusia County First Responders has come forward, citing poor working conditions and low pay under Dinneen.
"Nobody in public safety is happy with his leadership. The infrastructure in this county is crumbling," Chitwood said.
"That's just all anonymous heresay and there is no such thing. There is no basis," Dinneen said. "This council would rather I stay, but I think it was in my best interest and the county's best interest to let me take my retirement. So, I'm pretty happy."
After the hearing, Dinneen was asked about Chitwood's comments.
"I won't dignify his remarks with an answer, and I think you ought to be concerned with a sheriff saying that," Dinneen said.
Dinneen was to remain in his position until January 11, 2019, but he will step down Friday and receive a nearly $250,000 severance package.
Deputy County Manager George Recktenwald has been appointed as interim county manager for 90 days.