TAMPA, Fla. — Discussion on a contract that would pad Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw’s pockets with six-figure city paychecks after retirement is on hold after a move from the city attorney.
After questions from the city council, a city attorney on Wednesday delayed discussion on a post-retirement contract that would pay Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw $241,000 annually to remain chief while he also draws a $96,000 pension.
“They blindsided us with this,” Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson said during Thursday morning’s meeting.
Carlson was the lone councilman to address concerns around the contract, which was removed from the agenda after City Attorney Andrea Zelman sent an email to council staff Wednesday night.
“Chair and Council members- some of you have asked for additional time to review this item and to have questions answered,” Zelman wrote in the email. “In order to ensure that you and members of the public have had adequate time to have your concerns addressed, this item is being withdrawn from the agenda and will be revisited at a later date.”
It's unclear when the plan will come before council again, but Carlson said he hopes talks will be more open.
"This process was badly conceived by the administration. I hope that next time, the administration has more transparency and includes the public and I hope they focus on collaboration rather than hiding things,” he said.
If approved, the contract would authorize the city of Tampa to pay Chief Bercaw $241,000 annually for three years, plus benefits and raises. It’s a similar move former mayor Bob Buckhorn made with then-chief Jane Castor, who received a six-figure contract to serve as chief for one additional year beyond her retirement from the Tampa Police Department.
Emerald Morrow is an investigative reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. Like her on Facebook and follow her on X. You can also email her at emorrow@10tampabay.com.