Flagler County OKs mutual separation, severance for county administrator Heidi Petito

The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners on March 2 approved a mutual separation agreement with County Administrator Heidi Petito and a severance package, directing staff to begin a search for an interim or permanent replacement and setting a latest separation date of July 14, 2026.

Petito told the board she had submitted the separation agreement to give the county “a clear path, a responsible path forward for not only our board, but for our dedicated staff and for our community.” She said she was willing to stay through preparation of the FY2027 tentative budget, with July 13 (the day before the separation date) the last day she planned to remain if needed.

County Attorney Sean Rodriguez advised commissioners that, under the county’s 2021 employment contract, a voluntary resignation would not entitle Petito to severance. To ensure consistency and preserve the severance terms, legal staff revised the proposed document to frame the outcome as a mutual separation rather than a voluntary resignation. Rodriguez said this change would align the separation agreement with contract provisions that permit severance following county action.

Commissioners debated whether Petito should remain through the budget cycle or leave sooner. Several commissioners said they preferred a structured transition that preserved institutional knowledge during budget work; others argued for a quicker change to avoid prolonging a tense working environment. The board agreed to hold a workshop as soon as possible to review interim staffing options and authorized staff to solicit candidates, including managers‑in‑transition pools, to fill the administrator role on an interim or permanent basis.

Public commenters were divided. Supporters praised Petito’s long service and professionalism: Pete Celestino said Petito had “handled herself with grace and dignity,” and several constitutional officers and longtime community members offered thanks. Other speakers urged the board to reject a severance payment, citing concerns about accountability and the timing of the agenda addition.

The motion to approve the mutual separation agreement, with legal revisions and a commitment to schedule an interim‑search workshop, passed in a roll‑call vote. The board instructed staff to proceed with the interim search and to return with recommended candidates and a transition plan. The board also authorized language in the separation agreement to condition certain payouts on verification of items such as tuition‑reimbursement records.

Next steps: staff will schedule the interim‑search workshop and advertise interim options; commissioners will decide whether the administrator remains through the budget process or leaves earlier if an interim is in place.