High Springs commissioners select interim city manager, vote to negotiate contract

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) — High Springs commissioners voted unanimously on Monday to move forward with Seth Lawless, a former city manager with 35 years of experience in local government, for the interim city manager position.

Commissioners interviewed three finalists for the job Monday. The city still must finalize negotiations before Lawless officially takes over.

Lawless was one of three finalists. The others were former Williston City Manager Scott Lippmann and former Waldo City Manager Kim Worley.

After the interviews, commissioners and the mayor voted to extend Lawless an offer to begin negotiations.

During his interview, Lawless addressed challenges facing High Springs. They include a potential need to cut about $1.4 million from a $4 million budget after the passing of Amendment 3. Lawless said that could mean difficult decisions about staffing and city services.

“You go line by line and if it’s non-evident you ask questions so you know pretty much where every dollar is going,” Lawless said.

Lawless also mentioned he has experience combining police and fire rescue forces, something High Springs leaders have considered.

The city is working through the leadership change after agreeing to a $15,000 severance package with former City Manager Jeremy Marshall. Commissioners previously raised concerns about Marshall’s management of city finances and personnel.

Monday’s vote was to extend an offer to negotiate. The city will invite Lawless to sit in on Thursday’s commission meeting.

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