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Longwood names Deputy Fire Chief William Watts acting city manager starting April 20
Summary
The commission approved a memorandum appointing Deputy Fire Chief William Watts as acting city manager effective April 20, 2025, under a 120‑day charter allowance; motion passed 5–0.
The Longwood City Commission on March 17 approved a memorandum of agreement appointing Deputy Fire Chief William Watts as acting city manager, effective April 20, 2025.
Commissioner Morgan moved to appoint Watts under the city’s charter authority allowing an acting appointment for up to 120 days; Deputy Mayor Zach Sackett seconded the motion. The commission voted 5–0 to approve the agreement.
City staff said the acting appointment is intended to ensure a smooth transition while the full recruitment runs its course. The acting agreement ties Watts’ temporary pay to the city’s pay band policy and follows the city practice of authorizing up to a 5% premium above the position minimum when appropriate.
City staff and directors endorsed Watts based on his emergency management education, fire service background, and recent incident management experience, city staff said during the meeting. The city manager’s office and department directors will work with Watts over the next several weeks to coordinate the transition.
The motion recorded in the minutes names Chief William Watts as acting city manager effective 04/20/2025 and indicates the commission may reassign Watts back to his deputy fire chief duties at any time during the acting period.
Vote: 5–0 in favor. No amendments were recorded.
