Temple Terrace to Negotiate with Second City Manager Candidate

The City of Temple Terrace is negotiating with its second finalist for the position of city manager.

The City Council’s top choice, Arizona resident Jeffrey Mihelich, declined the job offer because he decided he did not want to move to Florida, council members said.

At their meeting Tuesday, council members weren’t in agreement regarding which candidate to offer the job to next. The majority favored Dana Hlavac, deputy county manager of Mohave County, AZ.

“For the long term and for the city, I believe [Hlavac] is the best for us to look at,” said Councilman Bob Boss, who made a motion to offer Hlavac the job.

Councilman David Pogorilich disagreed, saying he favored Gerald Seeber, another finalist. He was the only council member to vote against Boss’ motion but said he will work cooperatively with whomever the city ultimately hires.

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The three finalists were chosen from 36 people who applied for the position. The council interviewed eight candidates on Skype, and narrowed the choices from there.

The city’s current city manager, Kim Leinbach, has held the position since 1999. He’s scheduled to retire March 29.

According to TBO.com, Hlavac has been deputy county manager of Mohave County, AZ, for the past four years. He previously served as a public defender in Mohave County from 2001 to 2009 and assistant district attorney in Trinidad, CO, from 1999 to 2001. 

Seeber is general manager of Tampa Bay Water in Clearwater, according to TBO.com. He previously served as city manager of Oviedo from 2004 to 2008 and New Port Richey from 1988 to 2004. He also served as village manager of Brown Deer, WI, from 1982 to 1988.

See also:

• Temple Terrace Close to Hiring New City Manager
• Innovative Approach to City Manager Interviews Could Save Thousands
• Candidates Share Views on Ideal City Manager