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Top Public Works Officials Resign

By JOYCE McKENZIE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 6, 2007

TEMPLE TERRACE - The two top officials in the city Public Works Department have resigned.

Director Steven Hodge, 52, was hired Nov. 14, 2005, to oversee the department's sanitation, sewer, water, streets, facility maintenance, central garage and central warehouse divisions.

The Tampa resident managed the department's $13 million operating budget and its 70 employees.

'I think Steve Hodge is an excellent individual, and I wish him well,' said City Manager Kim Leinbach, who noted he's sad to see Hodge leave. 'We had many discussions, and sometimes we disagreed, but it was his decision. I think he thought that was the best way to handle it.'
City engineer Joe Motta, who's been with the city 14 years, will serve as interim director.

Cathleen 'Cathy' Dunn, 57, the department's deputy director, also submitted her letter of resignation, citing health issues.

Dunn, of Tampa, was hired Nov. 1, 2006.

Sanitation foreman Ray LeBlanc will replace her as interim deputy director.

The resignations were effective Oct. 1.

Neither Hodge nor Dunn returned calls seeking comment.

It will be 90 days or longer before a new director is named, Leinbach said.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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