NFWUA: $150,000 a year plus a $51,000 yearly pension payment (plus) too much for an executive director for two Authority board members
May 9, 2025 8:15 pm | 1 min read
The one minute version of the story.
SUWANNEE COUNTY, FL – North Florida Water Utilities Authority (NFWUA) met on May 7, 2025 to hammer out a contract for its sole executive director candidate, Suwannee County grant writer Shannon Roberts, who has no utility-operations background.
Shannon Roberts, a Suwannee County administrator, was the not unexpected chosen candidate of the Authority.
A planned April 30 salary-negotiation session was unilaterally canceled by Columbia County Commissioner Tim Murphy, forcing the full board to negotiate in open session on May 7. The lack of prior negotiation meant that many members were unsure about the best way to proceed, leading to a disorganized debate.
Mr. Roberts earns $97,953 now and originally asked NFWUA for $150,000 plus Florida Retirement System (FRS) “senior-management” status and other perks — benefits that could push total local taxpayer cost well above $200,000 annually. At $150,000, senior management status would cost local taxpayers $51,780 a year.
According to the US Census, the per capita income in
Suwannee County is $26,484; in Columbia County it is $28,030.
Mr. Roberts holds a BA in Psychology and lacks relevant licenses, though at a prior meeting he claimed he could obtain them with support. His current role is as a grant writer/administrator.
The board's deliberations were marked by tension, as some members expressed reservations regarding the high salary request.
Board members debated what someone with zero utility operations experience is worth; one surprise motion for $140,000 died for lack of a second.
After public criticism and extended wrangling, Commissioner Franklin White (Suwannee) proposed: base salary $125,000, six-month performance reviews, potential step-ups to a $150,000 cap within 24 months, tied to milestones (asset transfer, rate-study implementation, billing integration, etc.).
Mr. Roberts said he would “entertain” the offer after previously refusing an offer of $125,000 plus benefits.
County Commissioner (Columbia) Tim Murphy argued $125,000 was his limit, citing input from experienced utility operators.
NFWUA lacks critical plans (strategic, business) and asset documentation. The process for transferring utility assets from counties to the Authority is unresolved.
The decision (3-2) highlighted concerns about Roberts’ qualifications, organizational disarray, and taxpayer costs. The outcome leaves uncertainty and NFWUA’s structural challenges remain unresolved.
May 7, 2025, raised critical questions about the future of the Authority leadership but also raised critical questions about the authority's management and strategic planning going forward.