Numerous residents voiced their opinions during the public comments segment. Some speakers, like Cynthia Scrunchy, questioned the council’s readiness to commit to a long-term contract while investigations were still pending. Others, like Lori Richards, called for a delay in contract approval until the investigations concluded. Richards emphasized the importance of aligning the salary with the town’s limited budget and size.

The debate intensified as residents like Janet Ike and Cassie Suchi urged the council to act responsibly. Ike warned of potential financial burdens on taxpayers should the manager be found guilty of felonies, while Suchi highlighted the risk of public scrutiny and possible recall if the council neglected their duties.

The council members themselves were also divided on the issue. One member stressed the importance of accountability and suggested a transition to an interim manager, providing an opportunity to reassess leadership needs as the current contract neared its end on September 30. There was a consensus among some members that the current operational aspects, such as code enforcement and the building department, performed well under the current staff, yet frustrations persisted regarding the absence of structured policies and measurable performance metrics.

In contrast, supporters of Ramalia, including long-term residents, praised the improvements in town management since her appointment. They cited enhanced financial and aesthetic conditions as evidence of her effective performance. Yet, others raised persistent concerns about her integrity and the unresolved investigations into her conduct, arguing that these issues undermined her suitability for the role.

A council member provided clarification regarding the alleged investigation, noting that a conversation with a state attorney revealed no formal inquiry had been initiated. He emphasized the irresponsibility of making decisions based on unverified allegations. Despite this, the controversy surrounding the investigations and the proposed contract continued to fuel debate.

As the discussions unfolded, broader issues of governance and fiscal responsibility emerged. The council debated financial implications, with one member highlighting the town’s $3 to $4 million budget shortfall compared to the previous year. Concerns about the contract included the financial commitments tied to health insurance and the Florida Retirement System contributions, leading some to question the overall sustainability of the proposed terms.

The council also touched on the need for a strategic plan and performance reviews to improve operations and accountability. There was a suggestion to consider a nationwide search for a new manager should Ramalia not continue.

Beyond the town manager’s contract, the council addressed the charter review process, focusing on potential amendments to the town’s election structure and governance practices. The members debated the implications of annual elections, the scope of the charter committee’s mandate, and the voting thresholds for hiring and firing town officers. The conversation emphasized the need for continuity and effective governance, with insights from other municipalities proposed as a guide for potential changes.

The meeting also covered emergency management training requirements, with new legislation mandating minimum training hours for municipal officials. The importance of preparedness and the implementation of tools like “Crisis Track” for real-time damage assessment were highlighted as essential for enhancing the town’s emergency response capabilities.