OPA-LOCKA, FLA. (WSVN) - The city manager of Opa-locka has officially resigned from his position after months of being targeted by the FBI.
According to The Miami Herald, City Manager David Chiverton officially submitted his formal letter of resignation to the City Commission, Thursday. He has been accused of cashing in $40,000 in unused vacation and sick pay.
Chiverton told The Miami Herald he was leaving his position for personal reasons and that he simply wants to move on. However, he had been on temporary leave from the city due to a FBI probe for public corruption prior to his announcement.
Thursday, Opa-locka Vice Mayor Timothy Holmes told 7News that he set the wheels in motion to fire Chiverton. However, Chiverton resigned instead.
“I am fed up with the corruption in this city,” Holmes said.
The city of Opa-locka is reportedly in such a dire situation, that they are working with the state of Florida to help them overcome their millions of dollars in debt. It has gotten so bad that the governor has declared a financial emergency in order for the state to help repair the city’s current state.
Opa-locka has since been placed under the control of the state’s oversight board.
Wednesday night, to preempt Chiverton’s resignation, the city commission voted against the city manager’s resignation. However, this will have no affect on his decision, He wants his resignation to take effect Aug. 1.
Embattled Mayor Myra Taylor told 7News, Thursday, why she voted against accepting his resignation.
“That’s not how we tend to business here,” Taylor said. “My job, my passion, is to keep this city viable. When you call someone corrupt, that is an insult. We don’t know who is corrupt.”
Chiverton told 7News in April, “I respect the City of Opa-locka and honor my work and value the time being here. That’s what I do for the City of Opa-locka.”
Chiverton and other Opa-locka leaders have been under investigation for money mismanagement and for accusations that they pocketed thousands of dollars in cash payments. Others who are targets of the federal investigation include Mayor Taylor and Commissioner Luis Santiago, according to The Miami Herald.
Back in March, the FBI raided Opa-locka city hall for evidence that these officials were taking bribes from local business owners.
Commissioner Santiago told 7News in April that he was innocent amidst allegations that he too was involved in a kickback scheme.
“I’m innocent. That’s a firm accusation, and you can call my lawyer,” Santiago said.
City Commissioner Terrance Pinder was found dead, in May, after a 100 mph head-on crash.
The apparent suicide came a day before he was scheduled to turn himself in to the state attorney on corruption charges.
Holmes said, Thursday, the oversight board is working on a five-year plan to fix the financial crisis.
“I want somebody who has some type of authority to come in here and do the right thing,” Holmes said.
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