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Opa-locka commission narrowly approves resolution directing manager to consult city attorney before employee terminations
Summary
The City of Opa-locka Commission passed a resolution (Item 13-8) 3–2 on Oct. 8, 2025, directing the city manager to consult the city attorney before terminating employees. Supporters said the step is meant to reduce costly litigation; opponents said it improperly singles out the city manager’s authority under the charter.
The City of Opa-locka City Commission on Oct. 8 approved a resolution directing the city manager to consult the city attorney before carrying out employee terminations, passing 3–2 after extended debate.
Vice Mayor Joseph Kelly said the measure is limited and procedural. “All it does is direct the manager to consult the city attorney prior to the termination,” Kelly said during discussion, adding that the resolution would not prevent the manager from making a final decision.
The resolution’s supporters said consultation would provide an extra legal review to avoid grievances, arbitration and lawsuits that have cost the city in past years. “It just simply says the manager consult the city attorney, especially those in collective bargaining,” Kelly said.
Commissioner Louis B. Santiago opposed the resolution, saying it would place an unnecessary check on the manager’s authority. “The manager is the manager… she has the right to make decisions,” Santiago said. He and Mayor Mary Taylor voted against the measure.
City Manager Shamika Lawson confirmed she consults the city attorney when needed; the city attorney (unnamed in the record) told the commission the resolution would not legally strip the manager of charter authority to hire or fire. When asked if the resolution created a legal impediment, the city attorney responded, “No.”
A motion to approve the resolution was moved by Vice Mayor Kelly and seconded by Commissioner Santiago. Roll-call votes recorded by the clerk were: Vice Mayor Kelly — Yes; Commissioner Santiago — No; Commissioner Charlene Bass — Yes; Commissioner Irvin — Yes; Mayor Mary Taylor — No. The motion passed 3–2.
Commissioners on both sides said they trusted the current manager’s professionalism but differed over whether a formal policy was needed. Supporters framed the change as a position-based safeguard; opponents said it was an unnecessary constraint on the manager’s charter responsibility.
The resolution is effective immediately per its terms; it directs the manager to consult the city attorney before terminating employees and does not include language requiring the manager to follow the attorney’s advice.
The item was sponsored by Vice Mayor Kelly and recorded as Resolution 13-8.
