Stuart names Rosamund Johnson Strong interim city manager; commissioners raise charter and succession questions

The City of Stuart commission voted to appoint Rosamund ("Roz") Johnson Strong, the city's human resources director, as interim city manager under Resolution 11‑2026.

Mayor Collins moved to replace the prior interim (Louis J. Boggioli) with Rosamund Johnson Strong and the motion passed on roll call with all commissioners voting yes. Roz told the commission she had been asked by the mayor to serve and did not apply for the role; she said she had recently been at training and could not give an exact date she was first asked.

Commissioners discussed that the city charter uses the term "acting city manager" in succession language rather than "interim city manager." Commissioner Rich and others asked staff to examine and, at a later time, consider clarifying whether the charter or ordinances should explicitly provide for an interim title and the procedures that should accompany high‑level temporary appointments. City attorney Lee Baggett noted the code grants the commission authority to appoint an acting manager and that historically the city has used the term "interim" interchangeably, but added that commissioners could consider codifying clearer language in the future.

The resolution authorized an increase in compensation consistent with the employee handbook provision for employees serving in a higher capacity; commissioners thanked outgoing temporary managers and department directors for prior service during the transition. Ros told the commission she was honored to serve and looked forward to working with staff and the commission.

Next steps: Commission asked staff to consider whether to propose clearer charter/ordinance language about interim or acting appointments and succession procedures during a future agenda cycle.