Volusia County's county manager to resign amid criticism

DeLAND, Fla. — Volusia County's county manager, Jim Dinneen, submitted his letter of resignation to the County Council Thursday morning.

Dinneen said his resignation will go into effect on Jan. 11, after "12½ fabulous and fleeting years at the helm."

In the letter, he touted a balanced budget and discussed his desire to pursue other opportunities while he's still young.

Dinneen has been discussing retirement for several months, County Chair Ed Kelley said.

Kelley said Dinneen has done a good job in regard to to the budget and following the direction of the County Council. He said he hopes to begin searching for a replacement soon.

Dinneen has been scrutinized in recent weeks about problems at the Volusia County Medical Examiner's Office.

A former medical examiner said in a letter that the office is understaffed and the morgue is overcapacity, and that those problems have festered for years.

A shortage of paramedics caused longer response times. There is also a shortage of emergency dispatchers.

A union that represents Volusia County Beach Safety officers has questioned whether the county properly addressed allegations of harassment at the agency.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said he wishes Dinneen well, but it's time for him to leave, because the organization has no confidence in him.

"When you load it all together, you have to say to yourself, 'It's time to go,'" Chitwood said. "Keeping him on for six months flies in the face of logic."

County Council Rep. Heather Post said she plans to make a motion during the council meeting on Tuesday to fire Dinneen.

"He should not be allowed to stay in that position any further," she said. "There are some major issues that need to be addressed and need to be looked into."

Cox Media Group