Politics
Florida mayor abruptly resigns over fund distribution concerns
“I’m not a quitter, but I’m not the right leader for this council anymore and I’m concerned where the city is going, because this is simple math and we’re not doing very well on the test,” the mayor said
March 22, 2023 8:14am
Updated: March 22, 2023 11:31am
A Florida mayor abruptly resigned on Monday during a council meeting after a tense discussion about budgeting that raised his concerns about the use of city funds.
Before the announcement, the Clearwater council was discussing where to obtain the $250 million shortfall that was needed for about 30 projects. After a quick five-minute recess, Mayor Frank Hibbard announced his resignation.
“I’m not a quitter, but I’m not the right leader for this council anymore and I’m concerned where the city is going, because this is simple math and we’re not doing very well on the test,” Hibbard said.
Hibbard had pushed back against spending $90 million on a new city hall and municipal service complex for Clearwater, a city of around 116,000 residents 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Tampa. However, his colleagues said the project was a top priority for the city.
"It was a 4-to-1 vote forward with what I believe is reckless spending," he told television station WTSP.
The former mayor said he made the decision on the spot and called it one of the toughest decisions he has ever had to make.
“This is so out of character for me... I don’t do things lightly,” Hibbard said. “I don’t want to criticize the council, but it’s an overall vision for where the city is going and being fiscally responsible. We talk about affordability and everything else, but we’re not doing the things that continue to keep a cap on costs.”
Hibbard, who was in the last year of his four-year term, had already announced that he would not seek reelection. He had previously served as mayor from 2004 to 2012 and then took office again in March 2020.
“I love Clearwater and I love some of the things that we’ve gotten done. I think (Imagine Clearwater) is going to be phenomenal. I think (Jennifer Poirrier) is going to do a great job as city manager, but in good conscience for my family, for my own health and other things, I can’t remain the mayor.”