Davenport staff growing along with population

DAVENPORT — The city of Davenport is growing faster than any other city in Polk County; its city government has added staff members to keep up.

Since March 14, the city has hired a new code enforcement officer while creating full-time positions for a utilities director and building inspector. The latter two required City Commission approval.

Former Winter Haven Mayor and Commissioner Steven Hunnicutt took over as code enforcement officer. Hunnicutt held that position for more than six years in Haines City prior to becoming an elected official.

“It’s an opportunity,” Hunnicutt said. “This city is really growing. I don’t look at it as a job, but a chance to serve the community.”

Hunnicutt has been employed in Davenport since March 14 after the city went three months without a code enforcement officer. City Manager Kelly Callihan said Hunnicutt has already brought in $5,000 to the city from outstanding liens.

“He probably has at least 200 cases going,” Callihan said. “He hit the ground running. He worked with us in Haines City and did a great job while he was there.”

Hunnicutt served two terms on the Winter Haven City Commission before losing a run-off election to current Commissioner J.P. Powell in November. Being a staff member versus an elected official is quite different, he said.

“It’s two different hats,” Hunnicutt said. “My role here is just to educate the people and let people know the code and the importance of keeping up their property values.”

During Monday’s meeting, the City Commission voted to make the building inspector position full time, rather than part time. Those duties have been occupied by Stephen Schroeder, who could not be reached for comment.

“At this point, we can do as many as 70 or 80 single-family homes a month,” Callihan said. “Steve’s also our engineer, so he’s a really talented guy. He’s somehow managed to keep up with all of our residential growth.”

During the May 7 meeting, the commission voted to hire a full-time utilities director. That position will be filled by Mike Stripling, who retired at the end of September after a long tenure in Haines City. Stripling is expected to start on June 1 but could not be reached for comment.

“We’re thrilled to be able to hire someone of his quality and experience,” Callihan said. “We feel like he’ll be a good fit for our city and we’re excited to have him on board. All of (the new hires) are great guys and we’re appreciative to have them in the city of Davenport.”

Stripling will be paid $65,000. Schroeder, as a full-time employee, will earn about $68,000 annually. Hunnicutt is being paid $41,600 annually.

Mike Ferguson can be reached at Mike.Ferguson@theledger.com or 863-401-6981. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson.