Meanwhile, Longwood
kicks off its nationwide search for a city manager.
Longwood city commissioners — including three elected in November after staving off accusations they favored expansion of gambling — on Monday kicked off a nationwide search for a new city manager after Jon Williams announced he will resign Jan. 31.
Williams, who was hired as city manager in November 2011, said he was stepping down after last November’s contentious city elections that shifted the balance of power on the City Commission.
“I think a bell has been rung,” Williams said. “It’s become pretty clear and evident to me the majority of the commission has a different direction, and they are looking for a new leader to take them in that direction.”
At a Dec. 15 city meeting, however, commissioners urged Williams to remain on board and, in a 5-0 vote passed, a resolution expressing full confidence in their city manager. However, Williams said he won’t change his mind.
He currently receives a base salary of $135,170 annually to oversee 151 employees and a total budget of nearly $36.7 million. The city will pay Williams just over $105,000 as part of a severance package — $51,989 for 20 weeks of salary and $53,024 for accrued vacation and sick days.
Starting Feb. 1, Williams will be paid $11,265 a month in consulting fees to help the city find a new city manager. His consulting contract will end when Longwood hires a new city manager or April 30, whichever comes first.
“He will help us facilitate the process,” Longwood Mayor Ben Paris said. “I’m looking to have someone in place by March, ideally.”
The search for a new manager comes after one of the most contentious political contests in the city’s history. Longwood voters in November elected three political newcomers to the five-member commission who were targeted by allegations that they supposedly supported “Las Vegas style” casino gambling at the Sanford Orlando Kennel Club.
The three — Abby Shoemaker, Richard Drummond and Matt Morgan — denied the pro-gambling charge, calling it dirty politics. Morgan defeated incumbent Mark Weller, and Shoemaker ousted longtime commissioner John Maingot.
Williams said he met with the commissioners individually after the election and was told that they wanted to go in a new direction.
At a recent city meeting, former commissioner Maingot urged the board to keep Williams.
“I worked very closely with him [Williams] for many, many years,” Maingot said. “And we have a city administration like no one else has in Seminole County.”
City commissioners also
agreed to receive volunteer help from Dick Kelton and Bill Neron, both senior advisers with the International City and County Management Association, a group of former government managers, in finding and screening applicants. The group will then provide a list of 10 candidates to the City Commission in the coming weeks. Kelton is a former Palm Coast city manager, and Neron is a former Lake County manager and Tavares economic development director.
“This may be the most important decision you will make,” Kelton told Longwood commissioners. “It comes down to finding someone who can work with you, who can work with the city, and who can move the city forward in the direction you want to take it.”
Commissioners said the position will be advertised nationally, with a salary range of $115,000 to $135,000.
Commissioners also named Police Chief David E. Dowda to serve as acting city manager from Feb. 1 until someone is hired.