Continuing the parade of high-ranking Miami Beach officials who have left City Hall since November's incumbent-bouncing election, City Attorney Jose Smith announced to that he's resigning. He's leaving to take over the same job in North Miami Beach.
Smith has been on the job eight years, and previously has served eight years on the city commission. In other words he was one of the longest-serving veterans in city hall.
His departure isn't necessarily a surprise, though. When his contract was extended in 2013, he told commissioners that he planned to retire at the end of the extension. That contract would have run until next year.
Before he officially accepted the job, Mayor Michael Levine told the Miami Herald that he would prefer to appoint a new attorney once Smith retired or reached the end of his contract.
However, Levine isn't seeking a completely fresh start. He said he'd like to appoint Chief Deputy City Attorney Raul Aguila in Smith's place.
Smith, meanwhile, will accept a job offer from North Miami Beach. He had made about $324,000 a year in Miami Beach, but will make $188,000 annually in NMB.
Smith's departure continues a sea change in personal in Miami Beach. In addition to Levin and three new faces on the City Commission, Police Chief Raymond Martinez is set to retire. Fire Chief Virgil Fernandez is in his second month on the job. City Manager Jimmy Morales meanwhile has been on the job for less than a year.
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