HALF-MILLION-DOLLAR MAN?
Gonzalez’s Golden Parachute
This was Jorge Gonzalez’s final year as Miami Beach city manager – and perhaps his most monetarily-rewarding one yet.
He may have relinquished the city’s top job under pressure on July 8, but don’t feel too sorry for him: a golden parachute he is virtually guaranteed. City Hall insiders say Gonzalez departs taking with him potentially one of the sweetest severance packages possible. Final details should be worked out by city leaders by September.
Depending on who you listen to – and right now, even city commissioners, themselves, are a bit confused – some of those perks and benefits may or may not include these, all of which have been bandied at one time or another in recent weeks:
A $501,000 severance
A $275,000 lump-sum payout
Unused leave time (anywhere between $168,000 and $213,000)
A $125,000 (and growing) annual pension (beginning at age 55)
This is what he earned in 2011 (figures are as of March 2012):
Annual base salary: $231,324
Housing allowance: $24,012
Take-home vehicle allowance (car, insurance, maintenance & repair provided by city): $19,800
Floating holiday hours: valued at $2,669
Public service days pay: valued at $16,014
Life and long-term care insurance: (city’s net annual contribution): $23,132
Excess life insurance: $301
Health insurance (medical and dental for him and dependants): $26,575
Deferred compensation for retirement: $16,500
401(a) defined contribution pension: $34,698
Accrued vacation & sick leave: $102,498
Cell phone stipend: $3,728
An annual Miami Beach Golf Club membership.
Sources: Floridians for Truth and Transparency in Government; various media reports
Category: COVER
