As the Sentinel went to press, we learned that Ms. Lee had accepted a severance package and ending her employment with Hillsborough County.

BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Thursday morning, members of the Hillsborough County Board of Commission agreed to negotiate a severance package for the County Attorney.  The decision came about after a luncheon with former Commissioner Kevin White became a point of contention.

Several Commissioners stated they had lost trust in Attorney Renee Lee. Calling the luncheon a “flagrant neglect of duty,” Commissioner Mark Sharpe led the charge for termination. He made a motion that she be terminate her with cause. However, he was unable to enlist any support for a second.

Commissioner Ken Hagan also echoed a loss in trust and made a motion to negotiate the ending of her contract.

Commissioner Victor Crist pointed out that the issue of money was not the only concern. “We have a lot of issues to focus on. … We must take into consideration that this can be challenged. … The media is not a courtroom and it is not the best source of facts.”

Commission Chairman Al Higginbotham, along with Attorney Rich McCrea, who is representing the County, and Attorney Bob McKee, who is representing Ms. Lee, retired to negotiate the amount of money Ms. Lee will receive upon ending her contract.

Commissioner Victor Crist pointed out that the issue of money was not the only concern. “We have a lot of issues to focus on. … We must take into consideration that this can be challenged. … The media is not a courtroom and it is not the best source of facts.”

Included in the negotiations are the legal fees Attorney Lee incurred during the infamous FDLE probe Commissioner Kevin Beckner spearheaded last year. He stated that the most recent incident, coupled with the FDLE report, should be enough to warrant termination with cause. [private]Commissioner Hagan said, “It is quite clear to me that Kevin White set Ms. Lee up, and is trying to do whatever he can to strengthen his case. The problem is this is not an isolated incident. … But I do not believe it is a slam dunk.”

Attorney Lee said, “Let me assure you that I have not compromised my ethics or the lawsuit. … In all fairness, this requires more than accusations. …
“… After the story was reported as a cozy lunch and that we were all alone in La Gaceta, I was angry. I called Kevin and demanded that he get the story straight. … Looking back, Kevin just wanted to discredit me,” she said.

Attorney Lee further apologized for the miscommunication earlier and admitted the luncheon was planned. Accepting her fate, she said, “I work at the pleasure of the board. Relationships come to an end and we may be there today.”

Attorney Lee requested that if her contract was to be terminated, then she wanted it done respectfully and swiftly.

After listening to Attorney Lee’s account, Commissioner Les Miller, Jr., said, “She has explained that she has made a mistake. If there is one of us here who has not sinned or made a mistake, throw the first stone.”

Attorney Bob McKee stated that if the board voted to terminate Ms. Lee with cause, then there would be future litigation. He also pointed out that if litigation took place, the County would have to use Kevin White as their witness.

Ms. Lee accepted a severance package valued at $298,703.16, which included accrued vacation, sick time, and other benefits. Her tenure with the County ended 1 p.m., Thursday.[/private]