High Springs Code Officer Latest to Leave City

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ This year has been a rocky one for the City of High Springs as yet another key employee has tendered his letter of resignation. Code Compliance Officer Christopher Barnes will be leaving the City as of March 18. Barnes has accepted a position with the City of Alachua.

“I have been waiting for this position to open up for seven years, and it finally has so I couldn’t resist applying for the job over there,” said Barnes. “I expect to find structure and availability in Alachua, which is something I was used to when I worked for the County,” he said.

“I have enjoyed working in High Springs and have many friends in both communities. We actually live in between both cities and love this area,” said Barnes. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but if Alachua and High Springs can work out an agreement to allow me to help High Springs part time until they find a replacement, I would be happy to do so.”

In addition the City’s Building Official, Alan Alligood also tendered his letter of resignation at about the same time as Barnes. However, Alligood recently rescinded his resignation citing conversations with his wife and searching his heart through prayer to determine the best course of action.

“High Springs is my city. I live here, and I want the best for the citizens of High Springs. I am planning to see it through so I will stay,” Alligood said.

Other key personnel who have left the City in the past few months include High Springs Sports and Recreation Director Elliot Harris, City Manager Ashley Stathatos, City Commissioner Steve Tapanes, and late last year, Assistant City Manager/Fire Chief Bruce Gillingham.

Meanwhile, the High Springs City Commission is honing in on a new city manager who they hope will be able to stem the tide. On Thursday, March 14, the City is hosting a Meet and Greet at the old school building behind City Hall for the top two candidates, Jeremy Marshall and Jeff Shoobridge.

At 5:30 p.m. Commissioners will hold a Special Commission Meeting to conduct candidate interviews. During the 6:30 p.m. Regular Commission Meeting, Commissioners will consider making an offer to one of the candidates for the position.

Those meetings will not be available online as the City doesn’t have equipment for that at the old school building, although it is larger in size to accommodate increased citizen seating.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com