For the moment- Dettra can decide to return

Although the Clerk of Court’s Fraud, Abuse, and Waste Auditor is still conducting their investigation into his allegations, Historic City News local reporters have learned that an offer has been made that will allow Ryan Dettra to return to work.

31 year-old Ryan R. Dettra was placed on Paid Administrative Leave from his position as General Manager of the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on June 11, 2010, after he sent an email to various county staff and a newspaper reporter on June 8, 2010. Dettra made serious allegations regarding the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall renovation project.

“I took the allegations made in Dettra’s email very seriously,” St. Johns County Administrator Michael Wanchick said this evening after having remained silent over the past month as the dual investigation was progressing.

Dettra was placed on administrative leave from his $70,875 a year position at the recommendation of his Department Director; Parks and Recreation Director Troy Blevins — with the concurrence of County Administration.

In Dettra’s coarsely worded email, he accuses Wanchick of being “100% political” when he asks the question, “how can we save money” at town hall meetings.

Dettra also criticizes Wanchick, saying that, “It is under his guidance that we find ourselves losing $824.18 – $1,346.24 per day in potential revenue,” referring to the yet unopened Ponte Vedra Concert Hall. “It is under his guidance that we have a project that has tripled in cost. It is under his direction that we are spending tax payer dollars to solicit private funding through our friends of the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Board.”

Dettra says, “The only things we have heard directly from Michael (Wanchick) are negative.”

“It was extremely important to have someone beyond my administrative authority review the allegations, so I referred the matter to the independent Fraud, Abuse, and Waste Auditor under the Clerk of the Court,” Wanchick said. “I am eager to learn the findings of that investigation and take any additional actions that may be warranted.”

Concurrently with the Clerk’s investigation, Wanchick asked the County’s Personnel Services department to conduct an internal review. Although the Clerk of Court’s investigation is ongoing and may not be complete for several more weeks, the County’s internal Personnel Review is complete.

As the “Summary of Findings” indicates, the County’s internal Personnel Review found that, to Dettra’s credit, he has been recognized by County Administration for his work with the entertainment industry, his record of recruiting top level performers to St. Johns County, and the reward of a pay raise in 2009.

The findings go on to say, however, that Dettra has also exhibited a trend of unprofessional written communication and at times a failure to follow established County policies.

Historic City News was informed that “Based on the findings of the County’s internal Personnel Review and supplemented by recommendations from the Department Director, County Administration has offered Dettra an opportunity to remain in his current position, at a reduced salary, while placing him on a six-month probation period — under a mandatory performance improvement plan.”

If Dettra accepts the County’s offer, the actions that he will be required to complete as part of the “performance improvement plan” include training in following policies, resolving conflict, and communicating appropriately.

“This review has highlighted previous concerns of an ongoing pattern of inappropriate communication and disrespect for County policies,” Wanchick said. “When I personally met with Dettra last year prior to recommend his pay raise, we specifically discussed his communication style, as well as the need to adhere to established County policy.”

In March, Wanchick commended Dettra; recognizing him specifically when he announced that the Northeast Florida Regional Council had presented the county’s Cultural Events Division with an Excellence in Economic Development and Tourism award. “Congratulations to Ryan Dettra and the entire staff for their impressive work that greatly improves economic development and tourism in St. Johns County,” Wanchick wrote.

According to Wanchick, “Dettra gave me his personal assurance that I could count on him to communicate in appropriate ways. Unfortunately, this latest episode is evidence to the contrary.”

It is possible that the investigation by the Clerk’s Office may adversely affect Dettra’s continued employment, and, it is possible that Dettra will decide not to accept a pay cut, or one or more of the other conditions currently on the table — however; at this point, it appears that Dettra will either have to accept those terms and return to work, or stop receiving his $5,900 a month county paycheck while staying home.

Wanchick said, “The County continues to value Dettra’s talent, and we are hopeful he will embrace this opportunity to develop as a manager by overcoming his weaknesses and utilizing his strengths.”

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News contributed photograph