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Palatka commission to meet Monday to finalize contingency if city manager not in place; schedules 5 p.m. meeting
Summary
The Palatka City Commission agreed to continue discussion next Monday, the 24th, at 5:00 p.m. to finalize a contingency plan if a permanent city manager is not hired by the March target; commissioners discussed whether to keep the current interim and whether to backfill her finance duties.
Palatka — The Palatka City Commission agreed to continue its discussion next week and meet Monday the 24th at 5:00 p.m. to finalize a contingency plan if a permanent city manager is not in place by the commission's March target, commissioners said at the close of the session.
Commissioners debated whether to retain the current interim city manager if the permanent hire does not occur and what staffing changes would follow if the interim stays — including whether the interim's finance duties would need to be backfilled. One commissioner said keeping "things remaining the same" did not mean accepting the status quo and urged the commission to clarify expectations and contingency steps.
The commission discussed that earlier decisions on hiring and interim coverage were made with the expectation of a March 1 start for a permanent city manager. A commissioner said some choices — including not bringing in an outside interim earlier — were made because the position was expected to be short-term. That same commissioner asked staff for a clear update by close of business on Friday so the commission could shape its contingency plan.
Commissioners also defended the search process and said the commission had followed its procedures in good faith while acknowledging room for improved transparency. "We cannot control outcomes to the point where we can make someone accept an offer," one commissioner said, adding the commission had nonetheless "put forth every effort" in the search.
Scheduling logistics were discussed before setting the follow-up meeting. Commissioners noted a standing charter review committee that typically runs 4–6 p.m.; after considering availability the commission settled on 5:00 p.m. Monday the 24th. The commission moved, seconded and voted to adjourn after setting that date and time; the chair said, "All in favor," and adjourned the meeting.
The actions taken at the meeting were limited to scheduling the follow-up session and adjourning; no formal decision was made about whether to retain the interim city manager or to backfill the finance position. Those substantive decisions remain contingent on the outcome the commission expects to receive by Friday and on discussion at the Monday meeting.
