Council approves $10,000 separation agreement with former town manager; net payment cited as $245

The Atlantic Beach Town Council on May 4 approved Resolution 4‑2026 authorizing a separation and general release agreement with the town's former manager. Attorney Leah Moody described the payment as a discretionary settlement to resolve outstanding matters after the manager resigned earlier in April.

Moody told the council the gross discretionary payment in the agreement is $10,000. She said town accounting identified roughly $6,190 in expenditures that were outside the scope of employment and that amount will be deducted. After accounting for applicable tax withholdings and deductions, Moody told the council the net proceeds to be paid would be $245.

"This includes the discretionary payment of the $10,000," Moody said, adding that the town "is recovering the $6,190 back on behalf of the town, and the net after taxes ... the payment as you asked about was -- is $245." Council members asked whether the settlement included restrictions on consulting or other return arrangements; Interim Town Manager Titus Leaks said there was no indication the former manager would act as a consultant for the town.

Moody also cautioned that because the town is a government entity, it cannot broadly restrict an individual's First Amendment rights; the release includes limited provisions covering public statements about the $10,000 payment and the accounting of amounts recovered.

The council approved the resolution by roll call. The agreement will be executed by the town manager as authorized by the resolution.