By B.C. Manion
Michele Baker made history on July 9 by becoming the first female to be at the helm of Pasco County government.
Baker’s appointment was approved for a two-year term, which is automatically renewable for two years, unless she or the Pasco County Commission gives a 60-day notice before the end of the first two years.
Baker’s contract was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Henry Wilson voting no.
Baker was hired at a salary of $170,000.
(Photo courtesy of Michele Baker)
Contract terms call for Baker to receive a $10,000 increase after her first year, if the board is satisfied with her performance. The board will evaluate Baker on a set of measurable goals that Baker will draft and it will approve.
Commissioner Kathryn Starkey questioned including the $10,000 figure in the contract, noting it locks in the board for that amount.
Commission Chairman Ted Schrader said he thought it was fair.
“Quit frankly, the average is $190,000,” Schrader said. “She’s underpaid.”
The contract also includes a car allowance of $450 a month, to cover expenses such as fuel costs, maintenance and insurance. Baker will use her own car, rather than having a county car.
Wilson questioned the allowance: “We’re going to pay $450 a month, whether she uses it or not.”
Commissioner Pat Mulieri also questioned the car allowance. “We travel a lot in our jobs. We all use our vehicles.”
But Commissioner Jack Mariano said he thinks the amount is reasonable.
Baker said she sought the $10,000 increase after her first year because she is willing to demonstrate that she’s worthy of the increase.
Baker describes her management style as “collaborative.”
“I love to brainstorm. I don’t mind being challenged,” Baker said.
She said she thinks the best results occur from bringing people together and blending their talents to tackle challenges.
“The people who are doing the jobs are the experts on it,” she said, so it makes sense to ask them to identify problems and offer solutions.
Baker stepped up to the top job after serving as interim county administrator since June 1, following the retirement of John Gallagher, who was the county’s top executive for 31years.
She joined the county in 1993 as its emergency management director. In 2005, she became program administrator for engineering services. Two years later, she became chief assistant county administrator.
Baker said she believes the best answers for improving systems come from the people on the front lines, who are engaged in performing the duties on a daily basis.
