Jacksonville Port Authority CEO Paul Anderson has agreed to take the CEO position with the Tampa Port Authority, according to an employment agreement released Monday morning by the Tampa authority.
The agreement awaits a vote by the Tampa port's board of directors, which previously voted unanimously to offer Anderson the position. The board meets at 9:30 a.m. today.
Jim Citrano, chairman of the JPA board of directors, said Monday Anderson's employment at the port remains unchanged.
"We have not received a letter of resignation and until that time Paul (Anderson) is still an employee of the port who is taking some vacation time," Citrano said.
The agreement between the Tampa authority and Anderson is a three-year contract that pays him a $350,000 annual salary.
Richard Wainio, the previous Tampa port director and CEO, served the Tampa authority for seven years and retired with a $268,500 salary.
After meeting Sept. 17 to review Anderson's performance since joining the Jacksonville authority in 2011, the port board's audit committee recommended to the full board that Anderson be awarded a $16,000 raise from his annual $320,000 salary and receive a $50,000 bonus.
Anderson was supposed to receive an annual review. Citing board turnover, the committee made its decision based on two years of work.
Some City Council members voiced opposition to the salary and bonus increase and on Sept. 25, Anderson requested the board table the compensation vote.
One Council member who voiced opposition to the offer wanted to see Anderson continue his work at the port.
"I'm disappointed. I was hoping he would look past the financial issues and stay here in Jacksonville and accomplish what he put into motion," said Council member John Crescimbeni, who chairs the Council Finance Committee.
Crescimbeni said his stance on the subject of raises in the current financial climate has not changed — they aren't acceptable.
"We are one big family and when much of the family is suffering from a lack of revenue, I stand by my position. If that's the kind of employees the independent authorities are hiring, who are strictly in it for the money, then I don't think that is a wise choice," said Crescimbeni.
"I think we need to find someone who wants to make a reasonable salary, but also wants to do something for our community and what should become their community when they live here," said Crescimbeni.
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