Sebring Council Wants To Keep Hoffman For A Year

Former City Manager Bob Hoffman continues to work for the city on a lease/consultant agreement until the end of the month, but the city council wants him to stay another year.

Councilman Scott Stanley started the council's discussion on keeping Hoffman at Wednesday's budget hearing.

"We are having a lot of new department heads and somebody needs to hold it together," Stanley said. "We can rely on him for information."

City Administrator Scott Noethlich will need him a lot, Council Chairman Bud Whitlock said. Hoffman is good at union negotiations.

Some council members said Hoffman would be helpful with the city's current water and sewer dispute with the Sun 'n Lake Improvement District. The issue involves the jurisdictional rights to provide utility service to a proposed assisted living facility on Schumacher Road.

City Finance Director Mike Eastman told the council that the city budgeted $50,000 for an assistant city manager.

Councilman John Griffin said Stanley's idea to keep Hoffman for a year is good.

Councilwoman Margie Rhodes said "I wondered about the wisdom of it when we were going to let him go. So I think it's a good idea."

The council decided to have Mayor George Hensley Jr., Noethlich, Whitlock and Eastman talk with Hoffman about staying on with the city and working on the employment details.

Hoffman was the city's top administrator from August 1990 until July 1, 2008.