Dade City is considering hiring a new city manager by Oct. 1 to replace Leslie Porter, who is currently in the process of negotiating a separation agreement with the city.
Porter became city manager on May 14, 2019 and was hired after serving as interim city manager for a few months following the departure of William “Billy” Poe. Porter has worked for Dade City for more than 10 years. She was the city’s finance director from 2014-2019 prior to assuming her administrative position.
City Attorney Patrick Brackins is negotiating a mutual, amicable separation agreement with Porter and her attorney. The city commission won’t make a decision on that agreement until it has been finalized and presented to them for their consideration. It’s not immediately known how much time it will take for the agreement to be prepared.
Porter’s proposed separation is due to a consensus reached by city commissioners to take the city in a different direction, according to a commissioner who spoke confidentially given the separation agreement hasn’t been finalized yet.
Porter has faced public criticism, which has led to controversy surrounding her tenure.
Remarks made during the public comment portions of some city commission meetings allege that Porter had not handled personnel matters in a proper manner. Some former city employees claimed they had been let go because of a disagreement they had with Porter, while others claimed to not even know why they had been terminated. Also, some former employees said they were unable to either gain back their former jobs, or be hired for new ones, because they were ignored when applying for reemployment.
Porter has previously said personnel records are public records that may be viewed under most circumstances. She added that those records show why decisions were made to terminate former city employees.
When the separation agreement has been prepared and agreed to by the city and Porter, her departure will not be the result of a “termination for cause or for misconduct,” Brackins told city commissioners during their July 23 meeting. One part of the agreement could be that Porter would be eligible to be reemployed in the future if she applied for a position for which she was qualified for, given her education or experience, Brackins said.
Both Mayor Scott Black and Commissioner Ann Cosentino said they thought Oct. 1, the start of its new fiscal year 2024–2025, would be a good date for Porter to step aside as city manager if a replacement had been hired at that time.
But a majority of city commissioners also are in favor of Porter continuing to serve as city manager for 30 days after a new one has been hired. This is to ensure there is a smooth transition between the two administrators because of the amount of responsibilities involved. That time can be extended if a replacement isn’t hired by Oct. 1.
Commissioner Kristin Church emphasized the importance of having the opening for the position widely advertised so quality applicants could be found to choose from when the search does begin.
Mayor Pro Tem Normita “Angel” Woodard said she would like it to be required that the new city manager who is selected live in Dade City, as this would give him or her an opportunity to get to know the community better.
Porter has lived in Tampa during her tenure as city manager.
“God has a purpose and a plan for me,” Porter said in an emailed statement on July 30.
“Life is a journey, and I am excited to see where my next path will lead. Seasons change, and the commission is looking to move in a new direction. I can respect that choice.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished in the city during my tenure both in finance and city administration. Throughout my career, my actions and decisions have been driven by what I believe is best for the city. I will miss the city, community members and staff. The staff is an amazing group of dedicated public servants, and I wish them all the best,” Porter said.
Published August 7, 2024.
