Bunnell selects Palm Coast man as new city manager

Palm Coast Observer
News

Bunnell city commissioners voted 3-2 at a Monday night meeting to select Palm Coast resident Lawrence Williams as city manager.

"I look forward to it," Williams said. "I'm out to do good for the city and the residents of Bunnell."

Vice Mayor John Rogers and commissioners Elbert Tucker and Bill Baxley voted in favor of selecting Williams, and Mayor Catherine Robinson and Commissioner Jenny Crain-Brady voted against.

Tucker said he voted for Williams partly because of Williams' previous experience as a city manager.

“He has had city manager experience of 13 years, spanning two cities,” Tucker said.

Williams has been a city manager in Eatonville and Belle Isle. He has offered to take the position of Bunnell city manager for a salary of $67,000 per year — considerably less than the $75,000 to $80,000 it was listed for — saying he doesn't need more than that. "My life has been very blessed by God, and I don't need very much money," he said. Outgoing City Manager Armando Martinez’s current salary is $104,478, Bunnell City Clerk Sandi Bolser said.

Williams will be stepping into his new position as the city looks to hire replacements for City Attorney Lonnie Groot and Police Chief Jeff Hoffman, who have recently resigned. He said he forsees plenty of time reviewing resumes to get those positions filled.

The commission will vote on Williams' contract at its upcoming meeting on Oct. 14, the day after current City Manager Armando Martinez's last day of work, Bolser said.