Brooksville City Council selects Lisa Hendrickson as new city manager after candidate interviews

The Brooksville City Council held a regular meeting on April 7, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the selection of a new city manager and various community concerns.

The meeting commenced with a motion that was unanimously approved, indicating the council's commitment to addressing ongoing issues raised by residents. Following this, the council moved to the critical agenda item regarding the selection of a city manager. The council had previously narrowed down 38 applicants to five candidates, three of whom were interviewed the prior Saturday. The interviews were described as productive, with council members engaging in detailed discussions with each candidate.

During the deliberation, Councilman Bronson proposed adding Richard Weeks, a current city employee, to the list of candidates, citing his qualifications and experience. However, this motion did not receive a second, and the council opted to proceed with the candidates who had formally applied. Several council members expressed their support for the interviewed candidates, particularly Lisa Hendrickson, who was noted for her qualifications and vision for the city.

After a brief recess, the council conducted a ballot vote, which resulted in all members except Vice Mayor Bronson voting for Hendrickson. The council then moved to authorize negotiations for her hiring, which passed unanimously. Councilman Hallau was designated to work with the city attorney on the contract negotiations.

In the citizen input segment, residents voiced their opinions on the city manager selection and other community issues. Notably, concerns were raised about the condition of local streets and the importance of historic preservation. One resident emphasized the need for Brooksville to become a certified local government to access grants for preservation efforts.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the interim city manager's contributions and a commitment to continue addressing community needs. The council expressed optimism about the future under the leadership of the new city manager, Lisa Hendrickson, and the ongoing efforts to enhance the city’s infrastructure and historic assets.