Cottondale keeps city manager after all

Cottondale won’t see a change in its immediate future, after the city commission decided Thursday to keep Willie Cook as the city manager.

The commission thereby reversed a decision it took just last month not to renew his contract.

“I am very happy that I will continue to do the work I am doing and continue to progress,” Cook said.

The commission reversed its Aug. 20 decision after the commission discovered the manner it which it took the decision not to renew violated state law.

“It wasn’t done correctly and we missed it,” Mayor James Elmore said Thursday.

Cook was asked to leave the meeting while the commission discussed the contract and his job performance. While Cook was still out of the meeting, the commission voted 4 to 3 not to renew.

According to the state’s open meetings, or sunshine law, local government officials can only discuss and make decisions during public meetings. Because Cook was prevented from attending during the discussion and vote, the meeting was no longer public.

“Florida has a broad interpretation of the sunshine law. It requires all meetings have to be open to the public. If someone is asked to leave and then action is taken, that is a violation of the sunshine law,” said city attorney Matt Fuqua, who was absent at the Aug. 20 meeting. “You have to undo what you did. You need to fix your mistake on your own before the court does.“

Because of the violation, the commission rescinded the earlier decision Thursday and reopened the issue for discussion and a new vote.

Cook has served as the city’s manager for five years. Before taking the position, Cook was a Cottondale commissioner.

Some commissioners questioned the need for a manager, especially at the price tag of $32,000.

“I don’t think this about whether Mr. Cook is a nice guy or his past job performance. This is about do we have $32,000 to pay for someone to do what he does,” Commissioner L. Miles Poole said. “The things he does can be done by someone else, and the money can be utilized somewhere else.“

Poole added that Cook doesn’t assist in the creation of the city’s budget, something other city managers do.

Cook defended himself, saying that through his efforts, including finding lower contracts and obtaining grants, the city has been able to save money. Other commissioners also defended Cook.

“Willie does a lot more than go to the post office and the bank. I see it all. Willie Cook made our park possible. That park is now the pride of six counties,” Commissioner Bruce Lambert said. “I see the work he does keeping this city clean and promoting this city. If Willie wasn’t here we wouldn’t get these things done.“

Commissioner Jeffery Ball disagreed that Cook deserved all the credit for the city’s park.

“The grant for the park came about before Cook took office. I wouldn’t say Mr. Cook single-handedly made the park what it is,” Ball said.

Cook countered, saying that he had worked on the park when he was on the commission and continued to work on it when he became manager.

“I am going to defend myself. You can vote me out or whatever, but I am going to defend myself,” Cook said.

Cook’s abilities as supervisor were also called into question in regards to the previous city clerk. Cook said he had reprimanded the individual many times before she eventually resigned. Some commissioners argued that her shortcomings did not fall on Cook’s shoulders alone.

“The ultimate boss is this city commission. Ultimate responsibility falls on us,” Commissioner Bill Hughes said.

In the end, the commission voted 4 to 3 to renew the contract. Hughes was the only commissioner to change his vote. He said when he voted he intended for the issue to be brought up for further discussion.

Cook is satisfied with the commission’s decision and is happy that this time he was able to defend himself.

“I never got a chance to say anything about it until tonight. Now I can continue to work with the city and help it grow and prosper,” Cook said.

Also on Thursday, the city approved the city’s budget for new year. The city will work with $1.5 million budget next year. The commission voted not to change the city’s millage rate of 3.5 mills, which means residents will pay $350 in city property taxes for every $100,000 worth of taxable property value. The city will advertise the budget and millage rate and hold two public hearings before approving it.

“We had two or three budget workshops and went over the budget with not a fine tooth comb, but a comb. We are satisfied with how it is,” Elmore said.