Latest news with #VerdeniaBaker
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Palm Beach County's next administrator has big shoes to fill
The Verdenia Baker era is over, and Palm Beach County officials must choose a new county administrator. It's an important job, almost akin to running a Fortune 100 company. The key word here is "almost" as Palm Beach County is so much more than a private enterprise, and its government deserves an administrator with a proven track record. Palm Beach County is Florida's fourth-largest. The county is home to more than 1.5 million and growing. Its 39 municipalities are varied and diverse, ranging from an island enclave of billionaires to more underprivileged rural and working-class communities. It is one of the nation's wealthiest counties, but at the same time, it struggles with ever-increasing cost of living, particularly in housing and rentals. Traffic combined with over-development is also a concern. Its county government runs on a $9 billion budget and is one of the few counties in the nation with an AAA credit rating. Still, the county must balance a lot in meeting the demands from a variety of constituents — from residents and small business owners, to corporate interests and developers, to state and municipal governments. To put it bluntly, the next county administrator has some very big shoes to fill and had better have the credentials and experience to fit them. County commissioners who have the final say in picking a new administrator initially passed on conducting a national search, a procedure that would assure the best available and experienced candidates. Instead, they opted to advertise the job, winnow the 200 applicants down to six finalists through the county's Human Resources office and a task force of volunteers selected by commissioners. The commission will interview them and make a final selection later in June. Editorial: Florida's new parks law is just a start in protecting our state's environment Under normal circumstances, the county's approach in choosing Baker's successor might be appropriate. But, for anyone who's been paying attention, these aren't exactly normal times. In Tallahassee, state lawmakers aren't yet close to an agreement that will guarantee the state has a new budget. The ongoing grudge match between Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez offers little reassurance that the county will come out whole in the process. It's not much better in Washington, where House Republicans passed President Trump's big beautiful bill that contains major cuts in key programs that many Palm Beach County residents have come to depend on — Medicaid services, food stamps and Medicare. Add to that the ongoing chaos of executive orders and DOGE pursuits that have hollowed out several federal government services and eliminated important grants that have helped Palm Beach County. Editorial: Boynton Beach moves closer to creating its very own downtown Closer to home, there's talk within the business community that Palm Beach County will "open up" after Baker leaves county government. In a contentious lawsuit against the county over what it should pay the county for six acres of land in West Palm Beach, the backers of Transit Village, the Miami-based BH Group, noted in a court filing that Baker's retirement could lead to a settlement. Growth and economic development remain important. However, the next county administrator shouldn't simply be a doormat for developers. There's a larger interest to be served, and it is the regard for the public that must be the priority. Any candidate failing to grasp that isn't qualified to hold the job. Neither Baker nor her predecessor, former county administrator Bob Weisman, had a problem with keeping the county's concerns in the forefront of the many decisions they made, whether it was formulating a county budget, creating a workforce housing program or successfully getting voters to approve bond referenda for needed road improvements, school services or housing programs. That priority was shaped by years of county government service. It's a high benchmark for any of the six finalists. Hopefully, it will be readily apparent in Baker's replacement. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County's administrator search marks new era | Editorial
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Retiring Palm Beach County administrator Verdenia Baker looks back on a career of firsts
WEST PALM BEACH — For the past 38 years, Verdenia Baker's fingerprints have been all over Palm Beach County's budgets. After May 31, those budgets will be someone else's job. The trailblazer — the first woman and the first Black person to lead Palm Beach County's government — is retiring after 10 years as county administrator. "WOW WHAT A RIDE!" Baker said in her retirement letter in early March to county commissioners. Her path to the helm of one of Florida's largest local governments began in Broward County, where she spent three years as a budget analyst. In 1987, she moved north up Interstate 95 to take a similar position in Palm Beach County. Within eight years, she was managing the budget department. County administrator: Task Force names six candidates as finalists for top job Five years later, she was promoted to assistant county administrator. Then-County Administrator Bob Weisman selected Baker to be his deputy, a position she held for 15 years before Weisman retired. "I'd still be his deputy if he had not retired," she joked during an interview May 27 in her office at the County Governmental Center in West Palm Beach. Bake reflected on her lengthy tenure with the county, candidly describing the challenges and rewards of overseeing a multibillion-dollar budget and more than 7,000 employees. In 1987, when she first began her career with Palm Beach County, the population stood at 784,800. It has nearly doubled since then. "It was a real challenge to accommodate all that growth but I believe we did a good job," said Baker, 66, a Royal Palm Beach resident who grew up in Fort Pierce. "I'm leaving the county in good shape, a triple-A bond rating and services that make the county a great place to live in." More: $200 million plan to rebuild county's Delray Beach office complex moves ahead Baker's path to the top of Palm Beach County government began as a teenager. She went to an integrated St. Lucie County middle school, her first encounter in a school with white students. Her principal was the first Black principal there. She was the first Black student council president, and she quickly began dealing with racial issues. She was aware of the mantle she was carrying. "Being first carries a lot of responsibility," she said in a 2017 profile. "It means going above and beyond, and that is how I was brought up," she said. Her service also taught her to find common ground. "Everyone wants the same things — decent jobs, to take care of our family, to take care of our elderly," she said. Baker remembers her first involvement in community activism. There was a dangerous intersection in a Black neighborhood. There were numerous accidents. The coach of the Youth Movement Club urged her and others to go to City Hall and make a case for the traffic signal. "We got our signal," she said. More: 2025 taxable values up nearly 8% in Palm Beach County, driven by new construction As Palm Beach County administrator, she accomplished so much more. She said she is most proud of the county's AAA bond rating. The county, Florida's fourth-largest, is just one of 58 nationally to have such a high rating, which allows it to borrow money at interest rates lower than most other counties. She also is proud of bringing a second spring training baseball stadium to the county to join Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter. Major League Baseball's Houston Astros and Washington Nationals train there, and their fans who travel there help to boost the local tourist industry. Baker also oversaw the issuance of grant money during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped to steer the government through providing services during virus-triggered shutdowns. One of her concerns is that Office of Equal Business Opportunity could become a victim of President Donald Trump's efforts to wipe out diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs. The department certifies minority, women-owned business enterprises to make them eligible for work on county contracts. Successful vendors are required to award a percentage of the work to those certified businesses. "It would be a shame to see it eliminated," Baker said. "It has helped to level the playing field. But unless court challenges overturn what the president wants to do, I expect the program will be suspended. There would be a risk of losing millions of dollars in federal aid." More: $5 billion in new construction to be added to Palm Beach County tax rolls As for the budgets over the past 38 years, this year's was the most difficult of all, said Baker. "There's the impact of presidential security costs. That is a $45 million hit. We never expected that. I'm hopeful the federal government will reimburse us, but there's no guarantee.' If that doesn't happen, she has recommended using reserve funds to cover most of the costs. She also reached an agreement with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw to reduce his budget by a record $37 million and has asked him to cut his budget by an additional $20 million. Regardless of whether there is another budget cut, his spending plan for the first time will exceed $1 billion. The problem with dipping into the reserve is that it is already well below what similar Florida counties are maintaining. She said she is concerned that it could affect the county's bond rating, which she has worked hard during her tenure as county administrator to maintain. She said she was reluctant to ask Bradshaw to cut his budget but it was necessary to prevent core county departments from reducing their spending to the level that it would affect their ability to provide needed services. 'They have already been cut enough,' she said. She said her successor will have to analyze public safety spending, which has increased at a pace far in excess of the rate of inflation and far in excess of other county departments. The sheriff's budget has increased 183% during the past 18 years; County Commission departments have risen 71%. The inflation rate was 60%; the population increase 21%. "It is just not sustainable," Baker said of the increase in the sheriff's budget. "I'm all for making sure that first responders have all the tools they need, but we need to balance the needs of departments that fall under the direct supervision of county commissioners." 'This is going to be special': National HBCU Battle of the Bands coming to FAU Stadium Before Weisman retired, he recommended that the commission hire Baker as his replacement. So who does Baker recommend as her successor? She favors her deputy, Patrick Rutter. "I had enough confidence in him to make him my deputy. He would be a great administrator.' But, she added, Assistant County Administrator Isami Ayala-Collazo, another finalist, is also very well-qualified to hold the position. Baker's last day will be May 31, after which she plans to travel and spend time with family. There has been a whirlwind of recognition for Baker during the last month. May 18 was proclaimed Verdenia Baker Day by county commissioners. May 20, county commissioners voted to name the Vista Center complex on Jog Road after her. In June, county commissioners are expected to name a portion of Crestwood Boulevard in Royal Palm Beach after her. The Florida Association of Counties recently provided her with a plaque recognizing her for her years of public service. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and issues concerning HOAs. You can reach him at mdiamond@ Help support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Verdenia Baker proud of her record as Palm Beach County administrator
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'The end of an era': Verdenia Baker to retire as Palm Beach County administrator in May
WEST PALM BEACH — Verdenia Baker, the first woman and the first Black person to be Palm Beach County's top administrator, will retire on May 31. "WOW WHAT A RIDE!" Baker said in her retirement letter, noting that she began working in the county as a budget analyst 38 years ago. She rose through the ranks to become deputy administrator and replaced Robert Weisman when he retired in 2015. "It was just time," Baker said Sunday. She had more than two years left on her five-year contract that was extended in 2022. "I'm looking forward to doing some traveling and spending more time with family. The county will be in excellent shape when I leave. We have a great quality of life here. People want to live in Palm Beach County." In her retirement letter, Baker said: "I will remain committed to the job, the county commission and theresidents until I depart this position." Paying for Trump security: Palm Beach County says $20 million bill will empty special contingency fund Baker began working for the county in 1987. She served as a deputy administrator under Weisman for 14 years. As county administrator, she oversees more than 7,000 employees and a $9 billion budget. Palm Beach County is Florida's fourth-largest county, with more than 1.5 million residents. It is one of 58 counties nationally to have a AAA bond rating, which allows it to borrow money at interest rates lower than most other counties. 'It is the end of an era,' said County Commissioner Maria Sachs, noting the county has benefitted from Baker's guidance. 'Our park system is nationally recognized, and we have that great bond raring. She has done a great job but, nonetheless, I'd expect the county to benefit from a reboot and from a fresh look at how we can move forward at addressing the issues we are facing." Baker was about to underdo her first formal evaluation. County commissioners decided last year that evaluations should be done for the three employees they hire and fire — the county administrator, internal auditor and county attorney. They were expected to be completed in May. With Baker retiring, County Mayor Maria Marino said she does not expect the evaluation to take place. Baker had acknowledged this year that putting together the county budget this year would be challenging. The county is already struggling to find $45 million to pay for presidential security costs and and significant cuts in federal and state aid are expected. Baker said the upcoming evaluation was not a factor in her decision to retire but she took exception to the process being used to evaluate her. "You need to know what you are being evaluated on," she said. "I am evaluated every day as I serve at the pleasure of the commission despite being under contract." One area that needs to addressed is affordable housing, according to Baker. "No one could ever have guessed that the market would have boomed the way it did," she said. "Homes that were selling for $100,000 now sell for $400,000 and our workers cannot afford to live here. It is a difficult situation." Marino said it is premature to discuss how the position will be filled and whether it will be filled before Baker retires. If not, the commission will appoint an interim administrator. Marino said it is possible that a national search will be undertaken. Such a search was done when Baker was appointed. At least two commissioners — Joel Flores, who represents the Greenacres-Palm Springs area, and Sara Baxter, who represents the western communities — have pushed Baker to develop a system to evaluate supervisors. Flores, who took office in November, said at a recent meeting that he was surprised to learn that supervisors were not being evaluated regularly. Baker said it was unnecessary, claiming that she routinely observes their work performance. But Flores said he wanted to pursue the issue during this year's budget process. Baker listed a number of initiatives she has been involved in during her tenure as county administrator. They included: Guiding the county through the COVID pandemic and overseeing its recovery. Creation of a workforce housing program and a first-time homebuyers program. Attracting four Major League Baseball teams to the county's two spring-training stadiums. Passing in 2017 the referendum to approve a sales increase to 7% from 6% to pay for repairs to roads, schools, bridges and county-owned buildings. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and issues impacting homeowner associations. You can reach him at mdiamond@ Help support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Verdenia Baker to retire as Palm Beach County administrator in May
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'The end of an era': Verdenia Baker to retire as Palm Beach County administrator in May
WEST PALM BEACH — Verdenia Baker, the first woman and the first Black person to be Palm Beach County's top administrator, will retire on May 31. "WOW WHAT A RIDE!" Baker said in her retirement letter, noting that she began working in the county as a budget analyst 38 years ago. She rose through the ranks to become deputy administrator and replaced Robert Weisman when he retired in 2015. "It was just time," Baker said Sunday. She had more than two years left on her five-year contract that was extended in 2022. "I'm looking forward to doing some traveling and spending more time with family. The county will be in excellent shape when I leave. We have a great quality of life here. People want to live in Palm Beach County." In her retirement letter, Baker said: "I will remain committed to the job, the county commission and theresidents until I depart this position." Paying for Trump security: Palm Beach County says $20 million bill will empty special contingency fund Baker began working for the county in 1987. She served as a deputy administrator under Weisman for 14 years. As county administrator, she oversees more than 7,000 employees and a $9 billion budget. Palm Beach County is Florida's fourth-largest county, with more than 1.5 million residents. It is one of 58 counties nationally to have a AAA bond rating, which allows it to borrow money at interest rates lower than most other counties. 'It is the end of an era,' said County Commissioner Maria Sachs, noting the county has benefitted from Baker's guidance. 'Our park system is nationally recognized, and we have that great bond raring. She has done a great job but, nonetheless, I'd expect the county to benefit from a reboot and from a fresh look at how we can move forward at addressing the issues we are facing." Baker was about to underdo her first formal evaluation. County commissioners decided last year that evaluations should be done for the three employees they hire and fire — the county administrator, internal auditor and county attorney. They were expected to be completed in May. With Baker retiring, County Mayor Maria Marino said she does not expect the evaluation to take place. Baker had acknowledged this year that putting together the county budget this year would be challenging. The county is already struggling to find $45 million to pay for presidential security costs and and significant cuts in federal and state aid are expected. Baker said the upcoming evaluation was not a factor in her decision to retire but she took exception to the process being used to evaluate her. "You need to know what you are being evaluated on," she said. "I am evaluated every day as I serve at the pleasure of the commission despite being under contract." One area that needs to addressed is affordable housing, according to Baker. "No one could ever have guessed that the market would have boomed the way it did," she said. "Homes that were selling for $100,000 now sell for $400,000 and our workers cannot afford to live here. It is a difficult situation." Marino said it is premature to discuss how the position will be filled and whether it will be filled before Baker retires. If not, the commission will appoint an interim administrator. Marino said it is possible that a national search will be undertaken. Such a search was done when Baker was appointed. At least two commissioners — Joel Flores, who represents the Greenacres-Palm Springs area, and Sara Baxter, who represents the western communities — have pushed Baker to develop a system to evaluate supervisors. Flores, who took office in November, said at a recent meeting that he was surprised to learn that supervisors were not being evaluated regularly. Baker said it was unnecessary, claiming that she routinely observes their work performance. But Flores said he wanted to pursue the issue during this year's budget process. Baker listed a number of initiatives she has been involved in during her tenure as county administrator. They included: Guiding the county through the COVID pandemic and overseeing its recovery. Creation of a workforce housing program and a first-time homebuyers program. Attracting four Major League Baseball teams to the county's two spring-training stadiums. Passing in 2017 the referendum to approve a sales increase to 7% from 6% to pay for repairs to roads, schools, bridges and county-owned buildings. Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government and issues impacting homeowner associations. You can reach him at mdiamond@ Help support local journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Verdenia Baker to retire as Palm Beach County administrator in May
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Palm Beach County invests in mental health care. Well done
Bravo to Palm Beach County commissioners, for pledging a substantial investment in mental health care. The board voted unanimously last month to contribute $10 million toward construction of a $60 million facility, possibly near Riviera Beach or Lake Worth Beach. The challenge now will be how to adequately serve those in need during the five years it will take to get the new center up and running. The board plans to consider funding for treatment of children in the meantime, at an upcoming workshop. The vote represents a serious response to a complex issue that affects many thousands of Palm Beach County residents and their families. Data provided by the county listed 27,397 mental disorders in 2022 that required emergency room visits or hospitalization. More than 2,000 of those hospitalized were children. More: Palm Beach County upset hospital ends Baker Act services for troubled children under 12 The vote comes with the realization that Palm Beach County cannot rely upon private-sector providers to handle the demand. HCA Florida JFK North Hospital in West Palm Beach, for example, decided as of Dec. 1 to stop hospitalizing Baker Act patients under the age of 12, forcing them to be shuttled to Martin County for in-patient treatment. Florida's Baker Act law allows a person to be held involuntarily in a mental health center for up to three days. That means there's no room at the inn, so to speak, for 100 of our children a year in this county. One can only imagine what a cruelty that imposes on the children and their families already suffering from the heartache such circumstances present. That it should happen in a county with such a huge abundance of wealth is unforgivable. The facility plan, presented to commissioners by County Administrator Verdenia Baker, calls for an in-patient treatment center of about 60,000 square feet, at a 6-to-8-acre site yet to be determined. The facility, whose $30 million in annual operating costs will be covered by the county's taxpayer-funded Health Care District, will treat those with substance abuse as well as mental health problems. More than just a stand-alone center, it's intended to be part of a countywide strategy to develop "a coordinated, centralized mental health system," as reported by Palm Beach Post reporter Mike Diamond. The more in-patient capacity the county builds, the more it appropriately takes the burden and expense off police and jails to address individuals in crisis. They'll benefit instead from more sustained treatment by trained mental health professionals. The decision won support from the Palm Beach County Chiefs of Police Association, as well as prosecutors and public defenders. "It is the only program that is a solution from start to finish," Gulfstream Police Chief Richard Jones, president of the county chiefs association, told the commission. "There is clearly a void." Thanks again, to the county staff and commissioners, for stepping up. We look forward to them seeing this project through and to their building upon it. Tony Doris is editorial page editor for The Palm Beach Post. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County smart to fill mental health care gap | Opinion
