It seems David Sollenberger may be experiencing a little déjà vu these days.
Twelve years ago, Sollenberger came out of retirement to serve as Plant City’s city manager to replace the outgoing Phil Waldron. What was supposed to be an interim position lasting only a few months turned into eight years of service, until Sollenberger re-retired in 2010, handing the reins to his protégé, Greg Horwedel.
Now, just one week after Hillsborough County poached Horwedel to become its new deputy county administrator, Sollenberger finds himself back at the city’s top post.
Plant City commissioners approved March 24 to hire Sollenberger as their interim city manager. Under the terms of the agreement, Sollenberger will hold the post until a permanent replacement is appointed — but for no longer than six months. Sollenberger took the position March 26, at Horwedel’s current annual salary, $130,000.
The commission also released Horwedel from his contract and waived its 90-day-notice clause. His last day will be March 28. In his final days, Horwedel will help Sollenberger transition back into the role.
“He knows a lot about the city but not a lot about the projects that are ongoing,” Horwedel said.
One of Sollenberger’s primary duties will be to find candidates and consulting firms to seek a permanent replacement. Vice Mayor Rick Lott suggested originally to have Horwedel select a firm to conduct a national search. However, Commissioner Mike Sparkman opposed that idea.
“I believe we should do a national search … leave no stone left unturned,” Lott said. “If we’re going to look for a right candidate, we need to hire a firm.”
Sparkman did not want to immediately pick a firm — and not under Horwedel’s guidance.
“I don’t think we should move this drastically this quick,” Sparkman said. “Right now, we’re in really good shape. I’d rather us take a little more time and talk.”
He proposed instead that Sollenberger look not only at different firms but also at different candidates and report back to the commission.
Horwedel said hiring a consulting firm is critical to a successful search.
“The key is to get an independent entity,” Horwedel said.
During his last Plant City Commission meeting, Horwedel received praise from Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis, Lott and city commissioners Bill Dodson and Billy Keel.
“You came in here with zeal and developed a love for this city,” Mathis said to Horwedel. “We really appreciate you. And I have you on speed dial.”
Lott agreed.
“I remember the years when the second-worst economy hit America, and we were facing some, rough, rough times there,” he said. “You showed the type of leadership it took to get us through those times. I thank you for your energy and your diligence through all the projects and for the direction you wanted to take the city.”
“He’s been an outstanding city manager — one I certainly admire,” Dodson said. “I do understand what the rigors of the job require, and you have been a true benefit to this community.”
Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.