Auburndale commission interviews three finalists for city manager; Mayor recommends Jeff Brown, decision delayed

The City of Auburndale City Commission on Feb. 11 interviewed three finalists for the city manager post and heard candidates outline plans for managing growth, capital projects and community engagement. Mayor Alex Cam said he recommended offering the job to Jeff Brown, but the commission reached consensus to delay a final decision until the next meeting to allow members time to review materials.

The interviews began after the commission and Interim City Manager Amy Palmer introduced former City Manager Bobby Green, who led the panel. Jeff Brown, a former city manager who said Auburndale was one of three city manager jobs he would ever consider, told commissioners he wanted to “return to Polk County, to a place he knows, loves, and visits regularly” and that Auburndale’s services represent “excellence.” Brown described a…