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Highlands Today

AP Council chooses Sutherland

Highlands Today file photo by Jasmina Meyer

Maria Sutherland

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By AIYANA BAIDA

Highlands Today

Published: November 17, 2009

Updated: 11/17/2009 09:02 am

AVON PARK - Avon Park City Council members chose Maria Sutherland, city project manager, as the interim city manager during a special meeting Monday.

After discussing their options for the interim city manager the motion was carried on a 3 to 2 vote.

Their options were to choose an interim from a company of retired city managers and other qualified individuals or hire from within.

The interim city manager would take on the position of city manager until a permanent replacement was found. They would also get paid the city manager's salary during that time.

Renee Green, the city finance director, said she has no interest in the position but would step up in the interim.

"I've been here nine years, and I think I should have this option if I'm willing to do it. You're going to bring in someone into Avon Park and it's going to be four months...But I can't spend a lot of time training people as they come in. I have no desire to be city manager, but I don't mind stepping in," Green said.

Sarah Adelt, whose last day is Nov. 23, said in the last two years she's been working with Green side by side.

"She knows absolutely everything about something we are doing at this time, I agree and I support Renee as your interim," Adelt said.

The meeting took a shift when Councilman Al Joe Hinson suggested Sutherland for the position.

Sutherland agreed to take the job without a salary increase as long as it was no longer than four months.

"We need someone that will be the face, the go-to person. Hopefully it is only for a couple of months" Mayor Sharon Schuler, said.

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