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Board clarifies 'interim' vs. 'acting' city manager roles and approves wording changes
Summary
The board approved clarifying charter language distinguishing an 'interim' city manager (appointed by commissioners when the office is vacant) from an 'acting' city manager (designated by the manager during temporary absences). Staff will return with conforming edits throughout the charter.
Human Resources and staff asked the board to clarify language in Section 4.6 to distinguish between an interim city manager and an acting city manager. Staff said the existing charter used the terms interchangeably, which can confuse who designates a temporary manager and under what circumstances.
Under the clarified language the board approved, an interim city manager is designated by resolution of the City Commission when the city-manager office is vacant (for example, after a resignation), and serves temporarily until a permanent appointment. By contrast, an acting city manager is temporarily designated by the city manager during short absences (such as vacation or medical leave) while the incumbent remains in office. Assistant City Manager Yvette Matthews explained the difference and recommended conforming edits elsewhere in the charter.
Why it matters: The change is procedural but reduces ambiguity about who has appointing authority during different types of absences. It also informs related personnel provisions and consistent terminology across the charter and administrative code.
What happens next: Staff will draft conforming edits to other charter sections that reference acting/interim designations and return language to the board for review.
