Who are Manatee County's highest-paid employees? We break down the top government earners

Manatee County boasts a staff of 2,376 individuals, and they are set to earn their share of about $134.9 million in base salary payroll this year.

County commissioners approved a cost of living raise as a part of the 2023-24 fiscal year budget that amounted to a 3% cost of living pay increase across the board, and pay for performance one-time bonuses. A total of 132 staff members and officials earn more than $100,000 per year, while 2,245 individuals earn less than six figures.

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County administrators, attorneys, mark highest wage earners

County Administrator Charlie Bishop earns $229,008 in salary. He was hired to the role in September 2023. Previously he served as a deputy county administrator from Bishop served as a deputy administrator for two years under former County Administrator Scott Hopes — who Bishop replaced.

It is a figure only matched by new County Attorney Pamela D Agostino, who also earns the exact same salary. D'Agostino was hired in May to replace former County Attorney Bill Clague, who retired in March. She served as assistant county attorney between 2015 and a brief stint that started in July 2023 representing the Manatee County School District as general council.

Deputy Administrator Courtney De Pol earns the third highest base salary and is the highest-paid deputy administrator. She earns $196,643 to oversee public safety, development services and human resources.

It is about $5,720 more than the $190,923.20 earned by fellow deputy administrators Evan Pilachowski, Brian Parnell and Andrew Butterfield. Pilachowski oversees utilities, public works and financial management. Parnel oversees property management, natural resources, sports and leisure, and the convention and visitor's bureau. Butterfield oversees IT, community and veterans services, and records and information.

County Attorney's Office Chief Litigator Christopher DeCarlo and Chief Assistant County Attorney Sarah Schenk earn $190,008.

Department heads earn big bucks in 2024

Parks and Natural Resources Director Charles Hunsicker, a longtime employee, heads the rest of the county staff with a $189,904 base salary. Public Works Director Chad Butzow earns $180,356, CFO Sheila McLean earns $178,464 as does Information Technology Services Director Andrew Richardson.

Nine employees earn between $170,000 and $150,000. That includes Bradenton Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau Director Elliott Falcione at a $168,043 salary, Community & Veteran's Services Director Lee dePalo and Development Services Director Nicole Knapp at a $155,833 salary, Property Management Director Cary Knight at a $155,828 salary, and Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske at a $151,403 salary.

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A total of 110 other employees rounded out the amount of staff members who earn more than $100,000. Seventeen individuals earn between $130,000 and $150,000, while 93 other individuals earn between $129,999 and $100,000 per year. Many of those positions include roles in public works, public safety, county attorney's office, county administration, utilities, human resources, information technology, natural resources, financial management and human resources. Manatee County commissioners earn $104,723.

Workers who earn less than $100,000 per year

Lower wage earners make up the bulk of the county's payroll. There are 694 employees who earn between $99,999 and $60,000, and 1,550 employees who earn less.

The lowest wage earners work as grounds maintenance and building management for the property management department, EMS operations staff who work for the public safety department, agriculture workers for the natural resources department, and convention and visitor's bureau staff.