(TALLAHASSEE, FL.) -- Mayor John Dailey began the recent city commissioners meeting by presenting an award proclamation to John Harris, a friend he credits for making Tallahassee’s LGBTQ advisory council successful.
Photo Credit: City of TLH / YouTube
Mayor Dailey noted this will be his last Pride month as mayor, and spoke highly of Harris and his efforts in the city.
Deputy Inspector General Steven Meridith introduced Tallahassee’s 2025 financial audit. An independent auditor completed the audit.
Commissioner Williams Dianne-Cox elaborated that the audit is publicly available and completed by external and trustworthy firms.
The commissioners were gleeful to discuss the 100% clean audit the city received from an independent firm, and gave praise to the city workers responsible for proper accounting.
The commissioners' meeting also featured a 3-2 split vote over predetermined city contracts.
Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and Jacqueline Porter argued the city should handle contracts on an individual basis, and cited a lack of commissioner oversight and fair competition.
The topic was quickly discussed and resulted in the recommended option to allow the construction manager to negotiate contracts.
Video Credit: City of TLH / YouTube / Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox
“I believe what the staff has done here is appropriate and according to Florida Statute.”
After the vote, the commissioners peacefully moved forward and discussed a city ordinance.
The ordinance was to set a meeting for a public hearing in July in regards to a voluntary annexation of areas near Tallahassee city limits.
Environmentalists have commented that developers could damage a fragile ecosystem by building on previously unclaimed rural areas.
Mayor John Dailey had prefaced the ordinance by stating it was ceremonial, almost, as no public comments were allowed, and commissioner comments were typically not taken.
Video Credit: City of TLH / YouTube
Both commissioner Porter and Matlow argued commissioners were allowed to speak in the past on ordinances, and opted to comment on the topic.
Photo Credit: City of TLH / YouTube / Commissioner Jacqueline Porter
“You can do whatever you want of course, as mayor, but we have allowed questions from commissioners.”
Both commissioners believed the conditions were not present in previous meetings and wanted to amend the recommended option.
While Commissioner Matlow declined to comment on the specific issue, Commissioner Porter wanted to ask more questions about the matter.
A specialist was eventually called upon to answer Porter’s questions, as the Mayor was audibly discontent wth the meeting.
Renee Orlock of Orlock & Associates also spoke to the commissioners about their progress in finding the next city manager.
After congratulating Reese Goad on his upcoming retirement, Orlock articulated the detailed hiring process, beginning with building a candidate profile.
Renee Orlock expects the process to take up to two weeks, and elaborated on how detailed she would like to be prior to continuing the next steps.
Commissioner Matlow asked if attempting to hire a city manager before the new city commissioners are elected in November would harm the candidate search, and received a detailed answer. Orlock said her firm will look for experienced candidates who welcome uncertainty and are willing to work through it. She reiterated that the best candidates understand how government works and will expect position changes in the future.
Ultimately, the commissioners had a 3-2 vote to continue with the process with an expectation to have a new city manager by September.
If you have any questions or concerns, please comment, and reach out to me at jason.f@lead4earth.org.
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