The appointment of an interim city manager became the focal point of the meeting, as commissioners deliberated on the best course of action to ensure stable leadership. During the public comment session, residents expressed strong opinions about the candidates under consideration. Some voiced concerns over Lightfoot and Bobby Baker’s involvement in the prior decision to terminate Gainor. Others advocated for appointing someone from outside the current staff to avoid entanglements in local politics, citing past difficulties in city management searches as a cautionary tale.

In response to these concerns, several residents urged the commission to consider hiring an external interim manager through organizations like the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA). The idea was to bring in an outsider who could navigate the city’s current challenges without bias. There was a push for transparency in the hiring process, with calls for engaging a headhunter to ensure a thorough search for qualified candidates.

Further complicating the appointment decision was a discussion around maintaining job security for current staff members during the transition. Some speakers voiced apprehensions that the interim manager choice could jeopardize existing employees’ positions, prompting suggestions for a hiring freeze on department heads during the interim period. The commission acknowledged these concerns but highlighted that the interim city manager would still retain hiring and firing authority, albeit with the commission’s advisory consent.

In addition to the interim city manager appointment, the meeting touched upon various other issues. The commission addressed the proposed millage rate. This decision arose amid concerns about the city’s financial outlook, with a projected negative cash position looming due to the depletion of the county’s hurricane disaster fund.

The commission also approved a resolution amending the fee schedule and utility rates, following recommendations from the finance review committee. Public concerns centered on ensuring accurate water meter readings before implementing rate increases, a point the city manager addressed by noting progress in meter updates and proposing a budget workshop to tackle remaining challenges.

Further discussions included a bid approval for sidewalk repairs funded by a CDBG DR grant, with the low bid coming in under budget. The commission unanimously approved the bid from BCL Civil Contractors, emphasizing the importance of addressing hurricane-related damages while managing costs effectively.

The meeting concluded with a focus on interim leadership logistics, including the authorization for the mayor pro tempore to sign checks in the absence of the mayor. This decision was driven by the necessity to ensure seamless financial operations, particularly with payroll obligations approaching. The commission agreed to begin outreach for headhunting agencies to expedite the search for a permanent city manager.