TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – The Tallahassee City Commission named its new city manager Wednesday.
The commission voted to hire Karen Jumonville 3-2. Her contract will be drafted and presented for ratification at the Sept. 9 commission meeting.
“I understand firsthand the significance of this position, its importance to the community and the extraordinary responsibility that comes with it,” Jumonville said to the commission.
The commission has been searching for a new person to fill the position since current city manager Reese Goad announced his plans to retire.
Three finalists were in the running for the job.
Scott Andrews, Valerie Washington and Karen Jumonville each have experience in city or county management and made their case for why they should lead Tallahassee’s city government.
The candidates gave public presentations before the commission to outline their experience and what they hope to bring to the position Wednesday morning in the City Commission chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
This comes after a community meet and greet with the finalists Tuesday evening where they what they hope to accomplish.
“I really want to try to bring people together. My background, a lot of it is consensus building. I would hope to stabilize the teams and stabilize some of the turmoil we’ve seen recently.”
“One of the things I will address is working with the commissioners and staff on governance at commission meetings. I would also like to continue affordable housing in this community and land use issues.”
“I’ve been overseeing he underground utilities in the public infrastructure department, environmental, community beautification and waste management and the budget office so I’ve got significant amount of experience here in the city of Tallahassee.”
The finalists also participated in individual interviews Tuesday with the mayor and each city commissioner.
The commission’s decision was met with opposition from Commissioners Jeremy Matlow and Jacqueline Porter.
Matlow said he felt the process wasn’t properly shared with the public beforehand so that they could offer any input at Wednesday’s meeting.
However, some of those who did show up were in support of Jumonville’s promotion.
“She believes in listening and she says, ‘How can I help?,’” Tallahassee resident Stanley Sims said. “I think with this selection she is the best person.”
Commissioner Matlow also made a motion to offer Jumonville a one-year transition contract before having her sign an official one.
Matlow said he believed that would allow Jumonville time to decide if the position is for her.
However, that motion failed 3-2.
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