Last updated on February 15, 2024
He was sworn in as Town Manager in May of 2017 and left in the middle of the night!
When Mr. Murphy took over as town manager, (2017/18), his starting salary was $125,500 per annum. $5,000 more than Micah Maxwell’s salary. He also got compensated for the five weeks of vacation time he had accrued. Plus! Plus! Plus!
On Murphy FCCMA members bio page. They have Q&A from 2019 perhaps town commissioners should have read this.
His answer to the question about his least preferred part of his $150.000 per annum job. Tells tons about his charter. His lack of communication skills and negative response. Makes for an unhappy and dissatisfied town.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of this job is probably the disappointing way some residents denigrate our staff and elected officials. I think some folks have truly lost the art of civil discourse and resort to personal attacks, vitriolic lies, and thinly veiled threats.
If he felt like this 3 years ago, he should have been fired!
Who were your mentors, and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
Micah Maxwell was not only a great boss but a great mentor. He taught me the value of professional development and trusting the team around you. He is chiefly responsible for the program of the continued development of young talent here at Belleair. By investing in our staff and giving them the tools, they need to succeed, we've been able to achieve much more than most organizations our size.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would be Tony Stark or a race car driver. I can't decide. In all seriousness, I'd probably pursue a career as a futurist. What?
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
All of my career post-graduation has been in local government. However, I held three jobs simultaneously in college, ranging from conducting the night audit at a local hotel to being the General Manager of a popular nightclub in Ybor City. As an MPA student, I never imagined that I'd be part of golf course acquisition or become a licensed drone pilot. Golf course acquisition news flash you didn't.
As Belleair Town Manager, was there one defining moment?
If there, was one defining moment for me, it would be how neighbors and local government came together following Hurricane Irma to pick up what precious pieces were left to rebuild a community? Hurricane Irma was a dangerous and most expensive storm to hit Florida. But with minimal damage in Belleair. Rebuilding a community, really?
Why did you select a career in public service?
My father served in the Army and was a Miami Beach Police officer for 25 years; my brother served in the Navy. So the idea of servant leadership was with me from an early age.
I do thank them for their service. But I suggest you wear a hard hat when flying your drone.
Shortly after J.P. Murphy became town manager Belleair residents got another tax rate increase to 6.5 mills and an increase of about $226 a year on the average cost of a Belleair single-family house.
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