Port Richey council appoints operations manager Sal Carri as interim city manager after resignation

Mayor John Eric Hoover announced that City Manager Don A. King Jr. submitted his resignation on June 12 and said the council had raised concerns about communication and management during a 90‑day evaluation on April 28, 2026.

Hoover told residents the resignation followed discovery that a consulting proposal the council had discussed on Nov. 25, 2025 — and had agreed at that time not to pay — was later authorized and paid. Hoover said the expenditure was $9,850 and was within the city manager’s spending authority but that the council had expected the issue to be brought back for discussion before payment. “This situation did not arise from a single event,” Hoover said, adding that the matter raised “serious concerns regarding communication, accountability, and trust between the governing body and the city manager’s office.”

The council moved to appoint Operations Manager Sal Carri, who has worked for the city for 28 years, as interim city manager. The motion as recorded in the transcript referred to appointing Carri “to the interim city manager position for the city of Port Wentworth.” The council and meeting context make clear the action concerns Port Richey; the transcript reference to Port Wentworth appears to be an error and is corrected here to Port Richey. The motion was seconded (the transcript does not name the mover or seconder) and was amended to authorize the mayor and the city attorney to negotiate an interim contract; the physical contract will be returned for review at the council’s next meeting.

Sal Carri addressed the council and said he “humbly accept[s]” the interim role, noted the city’s ongoing priorities including budget work and hurricane‑season preparations, and affirmed his intent to keep city operations moving while council considers long‑term staffing. After the amendment, the mayor called for a vote; those present signified “I,” and the mayor stated the motion carried unanimously among members in attendance.

Public comment at the start of the meeting included expressions of support for the council and for Mr. King from several local residents. Danny Fields thanked the council for its service and said he supported the council’s decision. Troy Peterson offered a prayer and said he stood with the mayor and vice mayor; Jeff Jackson said the prior commenters had covered his remarks and expressed agreement.

The council recorded that Councilman Robert Hubbard was not available for the meeting. The mayor emphasized that the city’s operations will continue and that staff and department directors will keep projects moving forward while the council evaluates next steps on a permanent manager appointment.

Action at a glance: the council appointed Sal Carri as interim city manager effective immediately, authorized the mayor and city attorney to negotiate an interim contract, and the motion carried unanimously among members present. The physical interim contract will be returned for council review at the next meeting.