Big Accomplishments Lead Commissioners to Consider New Contract for Administrator
Savings in medical insurance, success in saving money and national recognition for programs prompt commissioners to ask county administrator to reconsider retirement.
Big successes last year prompted the new chairman of the Manatee County Board of Commissioners to ask Ed Hunzeker, the county's administrator, to reconsider his retirement next year and negotiate a new contract with the county. Hunzeker was clearly taken off guard by the suggestion and by the commissioner's overwhelming support for the idea and the glowing comments from the board. Hunzeker, who earns nearly $170,000 a year, would likely get a pay raise to offset the money he would lose by leaving the drop program. "I'm honored," he told commissioners, the emotion evident in his voice. "I will be happy to talk to Commissioner Bustle." Hunzeker, 65, said that while he was planning to spend more time with his grandchildren, he realized that …
