BRADENTON BEACH – Police Chief John Cosby is also now the city’s permanent public works director.
Cosby previously served as the city’s temporary public works director since longtime director Tom Woodard resigned earlier this year.
On Sept. 19, commissioners voted 4-0 in favor of naming Cosby public works director permanently and paying him an additional $74,747, as outlined in the employee manual, in addition to his $133,000 police chief’s salary.
During Thursday’s meeting, Mayor John Chappie said he initially intended to ask the commission to consider a pay increase for Cosby as he continued to serve as the temporary director but decided instead to ask the commission members to make Cosby the permanent director.
“It gives him the leeway to make some of the more important decisions in the operations of the public works department,” he said.
Chappie said appointing Cosby as public works director provides the city with significant savings because his insurance, pension and other employee benefits are already part of his police chief compensation.
Under Cosby’s leadership, Chappie said the public works department has already produced increased productivity and efficiency, along with better utilization of the department’s existing and new equipment. He attributed that to the leadership skills Cosby developed during his many years with the police department.
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what he’s been able to do. With that, I would hope you would consider my proposal,” Chappie told the commission.
Before the vote took place, Commissioner Deborah Scaccianoce said, “I think Chief Cosby’s done an outstanding job wearing that additional hat. You can definitely see all of the things that have improved.”
Scaccianoce also said she’s glad to see the city’s street sweeping truck being routinely used.
“Things are getting done. I think he’s doing a great job,” she added.
Cosby has also long served as the city’s emergency operations manager.
COSBY’S COMMENTS
After the meeting, while standing in front of the public works building located next to the police station, Cosby discussed his public works department duties.
“I’ve been doing it for five months and it hasn’t really been an issue. I take all the paperwork that has to be done for public works home and I do it at home. There haven’t been any issues and hopefully, it stays that way,” he said.
When asked if he enjoys the public works side of things, Cosby said, “Yes. I like to get things done quick. I can move more at the pace I want instead of waiting for other people. It definitely makes it easier to get things done.”
Cosby said Donovan Buss serves as the public works department foreman and some future departmental restructuring is likely.
“I may make some changes after the first of the year to adjust everybody’s jobs and give everybody a little more responsibility. There’s a lot of talent there and I don’t think it’s being used properly,” Cosby said.
At the police department, Lt. Lenard Diaz has served as Cosby’s second in command since Cosby succeeded Sam Speciale as police chief in 2021.
“The police department is run by the chain of command, from the staff to the sergeant, to the lieutenant, and then to me,” Cosby said.
