TARPON SPRINGS — Interim City Manager Mark LeCouris got an enthusiastic welcome from commissioners and residents at his first meeting back in the post, during which the board approved his picks for three acting city managers to serve in his absence and signed off on a part-time senior administrator to assist with key initiatives.
At the May 26 meeting, Mayor John Koulianos praised LeCouris’ 47 years of service to the city, recalling that he was shot during his time as a police officer before moving into administration.
“He was here 47 years as a police officer. Before he got into administration, he got shot twice,” Koulianos said. LeCouris clarified that it was one incident, two bullets.
“That still counts for twice,” the mayor replied.
“Here’s a man who’s worked for our city for 47 years, taken bullets for our town. I can’t imagine anybody that loves Tarpon more than him,” Koulianos said. “He stepped right up as soon as he was asked. We needed him. … I really do want to thank you for everything you do for the city, and what you have done, and now what you’re doing again. We couldn’t be more fortunate to have you in our community.”
Commissioner Lori Weaver, the board’s newest member, said she had not worked with LeCouris before but was thrilled to have him on board.
“The interaction I’ve had so far has been so positive. I can’t tell you how enthusiastic I am about where we are going with the future,” Weaver said. “He’s approachable, he’s knowledgeable, and I think we will all benefit from him being here.”
Vice Mayor Panagiotis Koulias acknowledged that he had pushed for a change in city management a few years ago, calling part of that effort “personal.” But he said his view shifted as he worked alongside LeCouris.
“As you work with somebody who’s respected and cares for the city, (you) grew a very good relationship and understanding, a mutual interest to want to work together for the well-being of the city,” Koulias said. “I’m very thankful Mark was able to come in. It was a no-brainer, and he’s already won the respect of all the staff, which is awesome.”
LeCouris kept his remarks brief, thanking commissioners and residents for their support.
“I’m not going to be long-winded my first night. I just wanted to thank this board, this unanimous board,” he said. “There’s some people in the audience out there who know how well I was enjoying my one year, four months and two weeks of retirement. But the faith of all of you again … nobody can say I don’t love this city.”
“It was a hard decision. I did have to pray on it, but I’m glad to be back, ready to move forward, put shovels in the ground, get what we have going done and work together with all (of) you for the benefit of Tarpon Springs,” he said.
Commissioners unanimously approved LeCouris’ selection of three department heads to serve as acting city manager in his absence: Project Administration Director Bob Robertson, Police Chief Jeff Young and Procurement Director Janina Lewis.
The board also approved bringing back retired Public Services Director Paul Smith as a part-time senior administrator from May 28 to Aug. 27, with the option to extend the appointment up to six months.
According to a memo from Human Resources Director Tabatha Adkins, Smith will assist the interim city manager with key initiatives, organizational continuity and strategic support.
A licensed professional engineer, Smith previously directed public works, oversaw water and sewer utilities, managed capital planning and led development of the city’s reverse osmosis water treatment facility.
Smith will work as a part-time, non-exempt hourly employee for fewer than 20 hours per week at a rate of $72.52 per hour. Funding will come from the general fund, drawing on salary savings from vacant positions.
City commissioners authorized the temporary part-time senior administrator position in March 2025 to help with leadership transitions across the city. Smith’s role will be in addition to a part-time administrator post currently held by Ron Harring.
“Mr. Smith has agreed to return in an as-needed capacity to support the interim city manager during the transition and on-boarding process, assist with ongoing critical projects, and provide operational and historical knowledge to support continuity within the organization,” Adkins wrote.