City Commission to address position during regular meeting on Oct. 21
On Oct. 3, during a workshop, Stacie Mason, director of the City of Sarasota’s Human Resources Department, told the city commissioners that a senior level department director was seeking to serve as interim city manager after City Manager Marlon Brown stepped down on Oct. 15.
The board members were scheduled to discuss that individual’s interest as part of their regular meeting on Oct. 7.
Then Hurricane Milton’s pending arrival in Sarasota County necessitated the rescheduling of the session.
Ultimately, the regular meeting on Oct. 21 at City Hall will be the venue for the commissioners’ decision on whether Doug Jeffcoat, the long-time Public Works Department director, will take Brown’s place until an expected national search results in a permanent successor for Brown.
In the meantime, Brown did agree to postpone his retirement, with plans to serve through that Oct. 21 meeting, the Sarasota Observer has reported.
The agenda item involving Jeffcoat is scheduled as the second matter of Unfinished Business on the Oct. 21 agenda.
The session will begin at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall, which stands at 1565 First St. in downtown Sarasota.
The draft agreement for Jeffcoat notes that he does not reside in the city limits, but he will not be required to move to comply with city policy.
The draft also says, “Jeffcoat acknowledges that his position as Interim City Manager is a temporary assignment and that the City Commission is actively recruiting for the City Manager position. At such time as a permanent City Manager commences his or her employment or the City Commission terminates Jeffcoat as Interim City Manager, Jeffcoat shall be entitled to return to and resume his previous position as Public Works Director with all benefits and compensation granted him in this position. Jeffcoat will maintain all accrued benefits and leave balances and his service time shall not lapse during the interim appointment. Jeffcoat will be returned to the position of Public Works Director at the same salary amount prior to the interim appointment to include any salary adjustments provided to all general employees during the interim appointment time period.”
The proposed annual salary for Jeffcoat as interim manager is $205,000, the document adds.
On May 14, city staff announced on Instagram that Jeffcoat had won “the prestigious Florida APWA Professional Manager of the Year Award!
“This award, bestowed by the American Public Works Association, recognizes individuals who have displayed exceptional administrative skills, inspiring leadership, and a steadfast dedication to the public good,” the post said.
“Doug has been with the city for 28 years,” having served 13 of them as Public Works director, “and is known by his team for his collaborative approach, leadership, and significant contributions to the City’s Public Works Department,” the post noted.
On LinkedIn, city staff added of Jeffcoat, “His visionary leadership, coupled with his deep understanding of best practices, has not only streamlined our operations but also inspired our team and the broader community.”