By Stephen Kindland
Staff writer
ORANGE PARK – The town’s Public Works director who was placed on administrative leave the same night town council members voted to fire the town manager officially has retired from his job.
Town Attorney Rob Bradley has confirmed that Bill White told him and Interim Town Manager Sarah Campbell on Friday, July 30 that his retirement takes effect immediately.
“Mr. White has retired and he is no longer with the town,” Bradley said. “The focus right now of the town manager and her staff is to make sure there is no disruption of services to the people of Orange Park.”
White was at the center of a lengthy discussion during a town council meeting held on Tuesday, July 27, when Councilman Steve Howard presented a chronology of events that stemmed from an anonymous letter he received about two “intimidating and uncomfortable” incidents White allegedly had with two town employees.
In a surprise move, the council voted 4-1 to dismiss Town Manager John Bowles from the job he has held for the past 21 years after expressing their displeasure at Bowles’ lack of disciplinary action concerning White.
Mayor Bob Standifer, who made the motion for Bowles’ dismissal, called White’s alleged behavior “dehumanizing.” He said Bowles’ failure to take corrective action “on whatever was said or done … touches on malfeasance.”
The council quickly appointed Campbell as acting town manager, and under the council’s recommendation, Campbell placed White on administrative leave with pay immediately after the meeting.
White, a town employee for 18 years, already had turned in paperwork stating his intention to retire in September. He declined to comment after Tuesday’s meeting, but told council members earlier that he was sorry Bowles had been relieved of his duties.
Councilman Jim “J.B.” Renninger voted against Bowles’ dismissal, saying that Bowles was denied due process. He also cited a lack of evidence concerning Bowles’ handling of White.
Bowles, who worked at the council’s pleasure and wasn’t under contract with the town, said on Friday that he was “angry mad” over his unexpected firing.
“This was a zinger and out of the clear blue,” he said. “I totally disagree with the way they did it, but without a contract you’re always vulnerable.”
Bowles said he doesn’t plan to take legal action at this point, but is leaving his options open.
“I’m just going to collect my thoughts,” he said. “I’m not one to do anything rash.”
