Cape Canaveral hires Keith M. Touchberry as city manager, $160,000 base pay, effective Aug. 4

The Cape Canaveral City Council on July 29 approved an employment agreement with Keith M. Touchberry to become the city’s next city manager effective Aug. 4, 2025. The unanimous council vote (5–0) authorized the mayor and clerk to sign the agreement and allowed for a ceremonial oath and photo opportunity.

City attorney summarized the agreement as required by the city charter: Touchberry’s base salary is $160,000 per year, with an automobile allowance of $500 per month, a city-provided mobile device and laptop, and customary professional dues and subscriptions. The agreement provides the same vacation, sick leave and retirement benefits as other city employees.

The contract includes a severance schedule: four weeks’ pay during the initial six months, increasing to five weeks until the start of the third year, and additional weeks up to a maximum total of 20 weeks under specified conditions; the city will reimburse up to $5,000 in reasonable moving expenses if Touchberry establishes a primary residence in the City of Cape Canaveral. The agreement provides for an initial performance evaluation at six months; council discussion addressed the possibility of including a 360 evaluation that could incorporate staff and community stakeholder feedback.

After the vote, Touchberry signed the agreement and took a ceremonial oath. He told the council, “I just want to thank you once again for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Cape Canaveral as your new city manager,” and said he looked forward to working with staff and returning a budget that serves the community. Interim city manager John and council members offered congratulations and welcomed Touchberry and his family.