Calls for independent probe into former city manager fall short as commission declines to authorize investigation

A motion to direct the city attorney to retain an outside law firm to investigate allegations that former finance officials were asked to perform illegal or unethical acts failed for lack of a second during the City of Stuart commission meeting on March 9.

The motion was introduced by a commissioner who said an article in the Stewart News quoted Michael Baglioli (Boglioli) as saying he had been asked to take actions he considered "illegal, immoral, and unethical." The commissioner asked the attorney to hire an independent investigator to determine whether the comments were true and whether any commissioner committed criminal acts or violated the code of conduct.

Mayor/Chair and other commissioners pushed back and asked for clarification. The mayor said he had discussed the personnel issue with Baglioli before the resignation and denied asking him to take illegal actions. Legal counsel noted that, absent a second, the procedural motion could not proceed and the motion failed on the floor.

Public commenters renewed calls for an independent review. William Rudge told the commission: "I am here tonight to demand this investigation take place," and said he had asked for third-party review since last year. Janine Alexander recounted longstanding grievances related to police and administrative actions and said she had filed a civil complaint (case no. 20181560) and a citizen's complaint in 2018.

Kim Michael Coffey, who identified himself as a longtime acquaintance of Janine Alexander, criticized the handling of evidence in 2015 and argued the city had neglected its duty to follow policies protecting the public. Several speakers in the public-comment period urged the commission to pursue an independent investigation and to provide a public response.

Commissioners and staff said personnel changes in the finance department were partly expected: the senior accountant submitted retirement, the assistant finance director resigned, and a part‑time procurement specialist gave notice. Interim finance staff said recruitment for a finance director and senior accountant is underway and that a temporary finance manager is assisting with transitions.

Outcome and next steps: the commission did not adopt the motion to hire an outside investigator at the meeting. Commissioners and members of the public said they expect additional follow-up and documentation; no formal assignment to staff or a date-certain follow-up was recorded during the meeting.