Town Manager Murphy resignation

Last updated on May 22, 2022

With Murphy’s sudden resignation, it appears Belleair needs a new one. Although an appointed position, with Belleair’s form of government, the Town Manager is likely the most crucial position in our local government.

Belleair’s previous Town Manager Micah Maxwell hired in 2004 as an assistant Town Manager. In 2006, at 30 years old, Maxwell became Belleair’s permanent town manager. After Town Manager Steve Cottrell got fired by town commissioners.

Micah Maxwell resigned as Town Manager in 2017 and became an assistant Town Manager for Clearwater.
Many residents felt Maxwell’s resignation timing was questionable. Since he was the sole town official, the potential buyers of the town’s golf course first contacted, and Maxwell was an advocate for its sale.

To no one’s surprise, Murphy was Maxwell’s suggestion for Town Manager. Of course, with what was transpiring at the time. Belleair commissioners agreed and hired in-house. Murphy became the Town Manager in May of 2017.

So, the task of selling one of Belleair’s few and most profitable assets went to a freshman Town Manager Murphy. According to his FCCMA membership bio, he took full credit for its sale?

Murphy’s recent resignation surprised mayor Wilkinson, stating, “the way he left the town gave me pause.”

What gives me pause is the fact of an appointed Town Manager. As FCCMA members can hire an affiliate contact company of FCCMA colleagues whom they developed relationships with for decades.

Like in 2020, the North Carolina-based company Belleair officials paid $324,223 to study and report on Belleair’s water system.