City commissioners voted unanimously March 27 to appoint Michael Helfrich as the next city manager, selecting the former Treasure Island public works director over a field of seven candidates for his specialized knowledge of coastal infrastructure.
The 5-0 vote to begin formal contract negotiations followed a lengthy session in which commissioners weighed Helfrich’s technical background against the proven municipal track record of New Port Richey City Manager Debbie Manns. But it was Helfrich’s decade of experience managing stormwater and shoreline systems in nearby Treasure Island that tipped the balance.
Helfrich, a Florida-licensed professional engineer, U.S. Navy veteran and local property owner since 2011, was praised by several commissioners for his immediate grasp of the area’s coastal environment. His military service aboard nuclear submarines was also cited as a factor in his leadership style.
Manns brought a formidable 35-year career in local government, highlighted by seven consecutive years of millage rate reductions in New Port Richey and major downtown reinvestment projects, including the conversion of an abandoned historic building into a boutique hotel.
Though the initial polling split exclusively between Helfrich and Manns, the commission ultimately unified behind Helfrich while formally designating Manns as the alternate should contract negotiations fall through.
The board started out divided. Commissioner Housh Ghovaee opened deliberations by backing Manns, citing her 12 years of city manager experience.
“I want somebody to hit the ground running. Yes. Not standing, running,” Ghovaee said, adding that he had worked with Manns professionally and found her “very professional.”
But momentum shifted as commissioners discussed their private interviews with Helfrich and feedback from the executive search consultant. Mayor Anne-Marie Brooks told the board that while she initially favored a candidate with direct city manager experience, her one-on-one meeting with Helfrich changed her thinking.
Commissioners acknowledged that while Manns was an exceptional administrator, Helfrich offered a unique fit for the infrastructure challenges facing Madeira Beach.
Interim City Manager Clint Belk reinforced that view, telling the board that department heads had already begun a warm handoff to Helfrich.
“Failure isn’t an option with myself,” Belk said, predicting that Helfrich would come up to speed “a lot faster than you think he will.”
Commissioner Eddie McGeehen, a fellow veteran, said he had full faith in the choice.
“I voted for him. He is a fellow veteran, so I think he is going to hit the ground running,” McGeehen said.
With the selection made, commissioners turned to compensation. Consultant Renee Narloch presented data showing the median salary for Pinellas County city managers is roughly $190,000, with a competitive range reaching $210,000.
The board agreed to offer Helfrich a starting salary of $180,000, with raises tied to performance reviews at 90 days and six months.
Ghovaee pushed for the performance-based approach, saying the board should “see how well he performs, then we’ll give him the world.”
Brooks was granted flexibility to negotiate additional benefits, including a monthly car allowance in the $400-to-$600 range. She told the board she did not want to pay a car allowance only to see the manager “get into a city vehicle and drive every day.”
Because Helfrich is a local property owner, the city expects to save up to $10,000 in relocation costs originally budgeted for the search. The contract will also include a 20-week severance package for termination without cause.
Narloch will spend the next 10 days finalizing background checks and reference calls. Belk will continue managing daily operations until Helfrich’s contract is executed and a start date is set.