Tallahassee will have a new City Manager starting October 1st. The hiring process and the contract are the topic of today’s Speaking Of.
Karen Jumonville will take over a day after Reese Goad retires. She’s been employed with the City for over 25 years. She was an assistant city manager starting in 2022, then Goad promoted her to Deputy City Manager last year.
The Tallahassee City Commission decided to choose Goad’s replacement right before an election that will see at least one new face on the commission.
That was a controversial decision, then Jumonville's contract raised a big question: Did the commission give its chosen candidate unusual protection just weeks before voters could significantly change the makeup of the commission?
Jumonville beat out two finalists from out of state. She got the job on a 3 to 2 vote, with Jeremy Matlow and Jack Porter opposing what they saw as the rushed nature of the hiring process.
Mayor John Dailey negotiated a five-year contract with Jumonville, adding a provision that requires a supermajority vote to fire her. That means four of the five commissioners will have to be in agreement to relieve Jumonville of her duties. The contract includes a $317,000 starting annual salary and a $1,000 monthly car allowance.
Dailey is not running for reelection. Matlow is vacating his seat to run for mayor, and Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox is running for re-election. So three of the five commission seats could change hands come November.
Tristan Wood joins Gina Jordan for the discussion. Click LISTEN above to hear the full conversation.
