Titusville City Council members voted July 19 to authorize staff to begin negotiations with the council’s second‑ranked candidate for city attorney after the top candidate declined to pursue the position.

City legal counsel and staff told the council that the search and ranking had concluded but that the first‑ranked candidate withdrew during post‑selection negotiations. Council direction to start talks with the second‑ranked candidate will allow staff to return a proposed contract to council for approval at a later date.

Nut graf: Council members emphasized expediency — starting negotiations with the next available candidate would keep the hiring process moving without reopening a lengthy nationwide search — while preserving the council’s right to review any contract before finalizing employment.

Details of the decision

City manager staffing options were presented after council discussion. The manager said the options were (1) direct staff to negotiate with the second‑ranked candidate or (2) begin a new search. Member Nelson said, ‘‘I think we ought to negotiate with number 2.’’ The council moved and seconded a direction to negotiate with the second‑ranked candidate; the motion carried unanimously.

Legal and procedural context

City legal counsel explained that whether the council directs staff today or on the next regular meeting, the contract itself must be returned to the council for approval; negotiations do not finalize employment without subsequent council action. Counsel also reviewed typical employment‑agreement elements: termination for cause or no‑cause provisions, severance triggers for no‑cause terminations, and recommended notice periods so both the city and a prospective hire have time for transition.

Public comment and process concerns

One public commenter suggested that prospective hires be offered contingent contracts to reduce uncertainty; other commenters raised concerns about perceived backroom deals in prior selections and urged more open citizen involvement.

Ending: Staff will open negotiations with the second‑ranked candidate, and any proposed employment agreement will return to the council for formal approval.