Unknown Future for High Springs

 There are serious problems facing the City of High Springs.  A poorly structured Charter has made it very difficult for the past Commissioners to govern.  The City Manager had the power to make most of the decisions without proper oversight by the Commission.  The limitations of the Florida Sunshine Law create further frustration to govern.  There needs to be careful consideration of the Sunshine Law under these conditions.

My assessment of past Commission decisions along with poor city management has given the present Commission a near impossible task.  A healthy financial future for High Springs seems unlikely without the consideration of eliminating services and raising taxes.  Ignoring constant suggestions and advice from taxpayers was accepted practice.   The High Springs residents are still without the complete story of the health of their city, both operationally and financially.  Out-spoken residents at recent Commission Meetings presented a better understanding, in my opinion, of the financial conditions of the city than discussed by the Commissioners.

The list of problems is extensive and serious.  A poorly planned sewer system has placed the city in a financial bind.  A property purchase, after consideration of all costs, is at least five hundred thousand dollars loss to the city and a major mistake.  There are expected additional future costs based on pending legal action against the City and Police Chief.  It is yet to be determined if insurance reimbursement will cover all these costs.  These legal problems represent the recently terminated City Manager, James Drumm’s approval to allow Police Chief Troiano’s wrongful termination of police officers and abusive discipline.  Qualified, experienced officers have resigned because of the stressful employment environment.  The Police Chief’s decision to fire an employee without due process has cost the city an estimated sixty thousand dollars.  Making failed costly decisions should be cause for termination of any city employee, including the Police Chief.  A total city staff evaluation concerning responsibility and salary analysis is required.

The present Commission needs to reach out to the community and ask for help.  Past Commissions have gone about their business without involving citizens.  Assigned committees to help in the decision process need taxpayer representation.    To “Go forward” as stated by the Mayor, requires a joint effort.

The decision to appoint Jenny Parham interim city manager is a good start.  Her prior position was deputy city clerk.  To delay the decision to establish policy and procedure for the appointment of the next city manager would be a continuance of past poor practice.  The community needs to play a role in this decision.  This time, extensive background checks and professional policy need to be established.  Kicking the can down the road without proper timely attention to details is a mistake.  Delay on this issue will extend the mistrust of the city government.

Tough decisions will be required, and although the Commissioner position is a part-time responsibility, it requires almost full-time attention.  The community needs to see the Commissioners fully prepared to discuss and evaluate all problems at Commission Meetings.  The contract services and advisors to the city need to present clear and accurate information at Commission Meetings.  The community needs to participate with the same effort to bring the city of High Springs back to its proper place in Alachua County.

 Bob Hallman

High Springs, Fla