The Davie finance director who helped kick-start the investigation of former town administrator Chris Kovanes will retire on Thursday, just weeks after the Town Council fired its attorney.

Bill Underwood, the town's finance chief since 2003, "indicated to me his desire to retire from the Town of Davie," current Town Administrator Gary Shimun told council members in an e-mail sent to council members at 4:55 p.m. on Friday.

Shimun said he hopes to replace Underwood in three or four months, with deputy finance director Carol Menke filling in until then.

Underwood declined to comment Monday.

DUMPED?

Some town officials believe Underwood may have been forced out.

"He did not willingly quit," said Scott Spages, a member of Davie's Budget Advisory Committee. "He was not looking to leave his job because he was not happy."

Shimun declined to comment when asked whether Underwood's retirement might have been involuntary.

The council fired town attorney Monroe Kiar Jan. 3, saying he failed to flag an improper investment. A state attorney's investigation found no indication of criminal wrongdoing in the deal.

When Shimun took the job as the town's chief executive late last year, he told the council he was interested in reorganizing the town's administration, Vice Mayor Mike Crowley said.

"I know the administrator was working out some dismissal details with Mr. Underwood," Crowley said. "I understand the administrator is doing some rearranging within the administration."

STARKEY SURPRISED

But Councilwoman Susan Starkey said Underwood's retirement caught her by surprise, given his involvement in the Kovanes investigation.

"I'm shocked," she said. "I believe Mr. Underwood had helped enormously along with his staff in uncovering the issues with Mr. Kovanes."

Underwood's testimony, along with financial records uncovered by his staff, ultimately led to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation and criminal charges against Kovanes, who is accused of stealing roughly $500,000 in taxpayer money.

Kovanes is awaiting trial.

During the town's investigation, interim Town Administrator Ken Cohen placed Underwood on administrative leave in December 2005 over a questionable salary increase. Further review showed the pay increase was authorized and Underwood was reinstated.

But for some council members, Underwood's leaving is good news. "It's no secret that I wasn't thrilled with his performance," Councilwoman Judy Paul said. "I just don't think he did a very good job dealing with the budget."