The debate around the city manager’s fate was not just confined to the council chambers; it also spilled over into the public comments section of the meeting. Community members voiced their apprehensions about the financial implications of terminating the city manager before the end of the current contract in January 2025, emphasizing the need for continuity and stability. The potential costs of ending the contract were mentioned, with an approximate figure of $300,000 cited, which raised concerns about the economic prudence of such a decision.

While financial considerations were a concern, other community members pushed for a change in leadership on the grounds of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the city’s administration. They called for a leadership that could better address hiring practices, residency requirements for city employees, and broader community development issues.

Meanwhile, the topic of employee treatment also surfaced, with a representative from the South Dade NAACP raising the issue of reported targeting of staff without contracts, which could potentially violate fair employment practices. In response to concerns about possible violations of the Sunshine Law, the mayor invited the NAACP representative to take their case to the State’s Attorney’s office.

A notable moment in the meeting occurred when the city’s director of Public Works spoke up in support of the city manager, highlighting the respect and positive work environment fostered under his leadership. This testimony was echoed by another city employee who spoke about the manager’s dedication and commitment to the community. This employee made an emotional plea for fairness, advocating for giving individuals the opportunity to prove their capabilities.

As the council discussed the process for transitioning to a new city manager, the debate over whether to undertake a national search or to consider local talent unfolded. The mayor mentioned an agreement with the current manager to aid in the transition, which suggested some level of preparation for potential changes in the city’s leadership.

The meeting also featured a motion to direct the attorneys to give notice of termination to an individual effective February 6, 2024. The individual in question took the opportunity to express their gratitude to those who had spoken on their behalf and to discuss their own experience within the city government. They spoke of the challenges faced by the staff and the importance of understanding and addressing these challenges.

In addition to the discussions about the city manager’s contract, the council was introduced to a potential new candidate for a city government position.