Palm Coast Council installs assistant city manager as acting city manager

Council member Theresa Carli Pontieri said the city needs someone in the role until the city can hire someone new. 'I will help wherever I’m needed,' Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston said.

By Sierra Williams
| 12:43 p.m. March 19, 2024

Lauren Johnston (Courtesy of the city of Palm Coast)

Palm Coast Observer
News

This story was updated at 1:32 p.m. on March 19.

The Palm Coast City Council has appointed Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston to temporarily fill the role of acting city manager.

Earlier in the meeting on March 19, the council voted 3-2, with council members Theresa Carli Pontieri and Nick Klufas dissenting, to fire City Manager Denise Bevan, without cause. At the end of the meeting, Pontieri proposed appointing Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston as acting city manager, until a new city manager is hired.

Alfin said he wondered if the assistant city manager and chief of staff positions don’t already fill the need for a city manager until the city can hire someone new. Pontieri said the city needs an explicit city manager to keep the wheels of the city turning smoothly.

Alfin said he was concerned about how Johnston’s other responsibilities will be impacted from her taking on the role.

“Well mayor,” Pontieri said. “That’s one of the challenges when you fire your city manager on the spot.”

Johnston told the council that she is pursuing her master’s degree, and as well has two small children

“I will help wherever I’m needed,” Johnston said.

The council voted 4-0 to install Johnston in the position, with Vice Mayor Ed Danko having left the meeting after the vote terminating Bevan. The city will engage the services of the Florida League of Cities to initiate the search for a permanent city manager.