Lynn Haven Commission Faces Backlash and Support -Tackles Budget and Infrastructure

Mayor's Absence and Letter:

• Mayor Jesse Nelson was unable to attend due to a personal matter.
• A letter from the mayor was read, addressing the emotionally charged previous meeting regarding the employment of Mrs. Vicki Gaynor, emphasizing the importance of listening, learning, and loving to build community, and clarifying the purpose of a church meeting he held at his church in Panama City regarding the City of Lynn Haven.

Public commentary:

• Public commentary at the Lynn Haven City Commission meeting focused on the recent termination of the city manager. Several speakers opposed the decision, describing it as unjust, biased, and lacking integrity, while criticizing the commission’s decision-making process, unprofessionalism, and alleged hidden agendas. They praised the former city manager’s accomplishments, questioned objections to her salary, and cautioned against misusing the city’s $19 million reserve. 
• Others supported the termination, citing factual grounds, and advocated for an external interim manager to ensure transparency, avoid liability, and reduce division. Suggestions included separating roles like HR and procurement, conducting a forensic audit, and filling a city clerk position. Speakers raised concerns about financial difficulties, potential bankruptcy, and the city manager government structure, proposing a new system. 
• Calls were made for unity, honesty, and community involvement, alongside commendations for law enforcement and recommendations for safety measures like recesses during heated discussions. 
• Additional comments addressed a development project’s misrepresentation, the charter review board’s legitimacy, and the need for improved procurement policies and trust in leadership.

Commission Business:

• Interim City Manager Discussion:

  • Discussion on appointing an interim city manager; names proposed included Chris Lightfoot, Bobby Baker, and Assistant City Manager Hodges.
  • Public concern about appointing those involved in Gaynor’s investigation, with a preference for an external interim to avoid liability and bias.
  • A motion to appoint Chris Lightfoot failed due to lack of unanimous vote; the commission decided to maintain the status quo with Hodges as acting city manager while seeking an external interim via the League of Cities or a headhunter.
  • Concerns raised about bank signature authority requiring Mayor Nelson’s signature, complicating changes to the interim role.

• Consent Agenda:

  • Approved minutes for July 9 and July 14, 2025, meetings and a residential incentive program application.

• New Business:

  • Front Yard Parking Ordinance: First reading of ordinance clarifying recreational vehicle parking standards, sent to the planning board for review.

  • Estuary Program Update: Dr. Jessica Graham presented on the St. Andrews Bay and St. Joe Estuary Program, highlighting grants secured ($8.6 million) and projects benefiting Lynn Haven ($4.8 million in support).

  • Letter of Support for East Pass: Approved a letter supporting Bay County’s permit application for East Pass, with no financial commitment.

  • Millage Rate: Set a ceiling millage rate of 4.5 for fiscal 2026 to address budget challenges, including a $315,000 shortfall in the Hurricane Michael Disaster Fund.

  • Utility Rates: Approved increases to utility rates effective October 1, 2025, after Finance Review Committee recommendation.

  • Budget Amendments: Approved corrections to the 2024-2025 budget, including transferring $90,000 from CRA to economic development and addressing grant invoices.

  • Sidewalk Repair Bid: Approved a $589,570.19 bid to BCL Civil Contractors for Minnesota Avenue and Mosely Drive sidewalk repairs (CDBG-DR 9M0045).

  • Utility Improvements Bid: Approved a $4,416,594.43 bid to ECSC for West 10th Street utility improvements (CDBG-DR grant).

  • Employee Benefits: Approved Option 2 for employee benefits, lowering employee premiums at a cost of $188,000 to the city to retain talent.

• City Attorney and Finance Reports:

  • City Attorney prepared a resolution for interim city manager appointment but noted the need for a unanimous vote.
  • Finance Director reported on budget challenges and the need to use the $19 million reserve for debt service.

Meeting Adjournment:

• The meeting adjourned after addressing agenda items, with a commitment to revisit the interim city manager decision at the next meeting with all commissioners present.