Hillsborough Commissioners Fire Administrator Pat Bean

County Administrator Pat Bean is paid an annual salary of $224,000.

After months of debate and six weeks paid suspension, Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean has been fired.

County Commissioners voted 6 to 1 to terminate her contract. Their justification -- she gave herself and other top officials an unauthorized pay increase.

"Her contract stipulates her pay," said Commissioner Mark Sharpe.

"She took a pay increase. Called it a bonus. It wasn't. I think that is cause for termination with cause."

The phrase "with cause" is important. Bean's contract says she has to be paid $450,000 if she's fired without cause.

Bean is expected to sue, and if the county loses, Commissioner Jim Norman says the cost could be as high as $700,000. Norman voted against firing Bean.

"Receiving the resignation is in the 450 range, is the cheapest option if everyone says they want to protect the taxpayer," said Norman.

This ends Bean's 33-year career with Hillsborough county, the last seven as administrator. As of late this afternoon, she had not issued a statement regarding her firing.

Bean and the county attorney are under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their unauthorized pay increase.