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Flagler County commissioners accept amendment to county administrator—s contract; vote 3-2
Summary
The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 on Jan. 9, 2019 to accept a 2019 amendment to County Administrator Craig Coffey—s employment agreement that includes severance, a mutual nondisparagement clause and a short assistance period; the board also scheduled a Monday workshop to plan transition.
The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 on Jan. 9, 2019 to accept a 2019 amendment to County Administrator Craig Coffey—s employment agreement, ending his tenure and setting terms for severance and a mutual nondisparagement understanding.
Coffey presented the one-page, three-part agreement that he said includes "a severance issue, a non-disparagement clause, and continued protections" under his existing contract. He told the board that "although the language talks about a potential resignation, before Friday, if you are to approve that agreement, you will have my resignation tomorrow," and said his resignation would be effective at the close of business Friday if the commission approved the amendment.
The amendment, distributed to commissioners that morning, includes a minimum 60-day assistance provision Coffey described as a baseline for continued help after his departure. Commissioner Sullivan said the amendment circulated at about 10:30 a.m. and that he "will support that amendment as drafted." Commissioner Hansen urged the commission to keep Coffey on for a longer transition — he suggested up to six months — citing about 35 major county projects that would benefit from continuity.
After discussion and public comment, a motion to accept the amendment was made from the floor, seconded by Commissioner Sullivan, and carried by a 3-2 vote. The chair announced the outcome as "motion carries 3 to 2." The roll-call names for each vote were not specified in the meeting record.
Commissioners also approved a separate motion to hold a workshop at 9 a.m. the following Monday to discuss transition options and the appointment of an interim county administrator. That workshop motion passed unanimously.
Coffey—s proposal, the board debate about transition length, and the unanimous decision to schedule a workshop reflect competing priorities: several commissioners urged a swift start on a new administration, while others and multiple public commenters emphasized institutional knowledge and short-term continuity. The commission adjourned after completing those actions.
What happens next: the amendment accepted by the board sets the legal terms for Coffey—s departure; the Monday workshop will determine next steps for interim management and the search for a permanent replacement.
