There’ll be a change at Florence City Hall by the end of next year. Florence City Manager Bob Willoughby told elected officials last night he plans on stepping down by the end of 2012. But, rather than just announce his departure, Willoughby laid out a succession plan. He recommended the council consider promoting assistant City Manager Jacque Betz to the top spot.
Mayor Phil Brubaker said that sounded like a good idea and recommended to the council that when the time comes they consider the proposal seriously. Brubaker said the move would also help with financial pressures the city is facing. If Betz succeeds Willoughby, they would not fill the assistant City Manager’s position, thereby reducing payroll.
In other business last night, the council opted to hold off on final approval of a long term financial plan and directed staff to remove references to increased fees. The council will take up the matter once again in October.