Melbourne Beach commissioners hold performance review for town manager amid mixed public comments

Melbourne Beach — The Town Commission met in a special session June 2 to conduct the annual performance evaluation of Town Manager Elizabeth Mascaro, with commissioners submitting written evaluations, offering direction on reporting and priorities, and hearing contrasting public comments that ranged from praise to allegations about public-records handling and staff turnover.

Mascaro, who briefed commissioners on the scope of her duties during the session, described the role as broad and hands-on: “So my primary responsibility is to execute the wishes of the town commission. I'm the liaison between town commission and the employees, the town commission and the residents. I'm the administrator all the time.” She told commissioners that recent years have brought increased record requests and lawsuits that have added to staff workload and stress.

Several commissioners recommended management changes in process and communication rather than an immediate personnel action. One…