Loxahatchee Groves council approves town manager contract amid calls to delay

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council voted to approve Resolution 2025‑74, adopting an employment agreement for Town Manager Francine Romalia that carries an end date of Sept. 30, 2026; the motion on the record listed a base salary as “1.55.”

The vote capped more than two hours of public comment, written submissions and council discussion during which many residents urged the council to delay contract approval until outside complaints and investigations are resolved. Town Attorney Kurtz told the council the state attorney’s office had received a complaint but “the state attorney’s office has made no determination with respect to criminality.” Council members split on whether to approve the agreement now or wait for outside inquiries to conclude; the motion passed on the floor.

Councilmember Todd moved to approve Resolution 2025‑74 with an effective end date of Sept. 30, 2026; the motion as stated on the record included a base-salary figure recorded as “1.55.” The motion was seconded and, after public comment and discussion, carried on a recorded roll-call vote (tally in minutes: yes 3, no 2; individual roll-call names were not specified on the public record excerpt).

Nut graf: Why this matters The contract vote commits town staff time and budget authority while several residents and one public commenter said outside agencies have pending inquiries about the town manager. Commenters warned of legal and fiscal exposure if the council approves a multiyear agreement…