The Tallahassee City Commission is going with an internal hire to be the next city manager.
The commission voted 3-2 to offer the job to Karen Jumonville, the city’s current assistant city manager Wednesday, after presentations from three finalists for the position.
It didn’t take long after the presentations for commissioners to make their decision. Without much public discussion about the other candidates, Commission Dianne Williams-Cox made the motion to offer the job to Jumonville.
“What people want to do is to work in an organization where they will be able to grow. They'll be able to be recognized for the contributions that they have made, as well as looking for the opportunity to lead. And I think that she has she has done all of that. And I think this selecting her will send a message to our organization that do those things, join an organization, work hard, grow, and then one day you will get the opportunity to lead," she said.
Commissioner Curtis Richardson seconded the motion.
“She's earned the respect of our team, our tremendous team that we have here with the city of Tallahassee. She's shown that she's capable of leading, and just her ability to serve this community in so many capacities," he said.
Commissioners Jack Porter and Jeremy Matlow opposed hiring her as the permanent replacement, but did support a failed motion to appoint her to the job for a year. Porter said making a permanent choice now puts the future commission that will be elected in November in a bad position. She also criticized the process, saying there wasn’t enough public input.
" I think it's a mistake to do this now, and I believe that we're doing not only the community a disservice, but the candidate, whoever is selected a disservice, by making this selection today," she said.
Commissioners will give final approval to Jumonville’s hiring, including contract details, during the city’s commission meeting on Sept. 9.
