City Manager

City Manager

The City of Avon Park, located in northwestern Highlands County (23 miles south of Lake Wales and 10 miles north of Sebring) was incorporated in 1926, and is nicknamed the City of Charm. The City's history has many settlers coming from William Shakespeare's European hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, hence the name Avon Park, and has an approximate population of 10,000.

The City of Avon Park has a Council-Manager form of government whose Council includes the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, and three Council members. The Council appoints the City Manager to oversee the administration of the City's day-to-day personnel and operational activities for a full range of municipal services including fire, public works, parks and recreation, utilities (water and wastewater) and a general aviation municipal airport.

The City has an approved FY2025 / 26 total budget of $ 70,246,760.00, including a General Fund of $ 16,999,100.00, and employs a workforce of 99 full-time employees.

Representative Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

1. Assume full management responsibility for all City operations; assess ongoing operational needs through department heads / supervisors and determine best organizational structure to meet goals and objectives; develop, recommend, and administer policies and procedures.

2. Collaborate with the Mayor and City Council in the strategic planning process to develop both long / short-term plans and establish a consistent process for re-evaluating the needs of the City; and assist in developing the Council's Vision into clear, viable objectives with measurable benchmarks; evaluating and ensuring efficient operations and streamlined processes throughout the agency; and building relationships by creating a dialogue with the community and other stakeholders.

3. Direct the development and implementation of the City's goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.

4. Establish within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.

5. Encourage creativity and innovation, providing an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas on new processes, policies, programs, or initiatives that could positively impact the organization and the community.

6. Involved in all phases of planning designed to facilitate a variety of City programs such as new systems, annexations, influence of City growth and structure.

7. Conduct monthly staff meetings with direct reports to foster communication and collaboration on shared objectives.

8. Attend all Council, CRA, and Planning and Zoning Board meetings, and work with the City Attorney, consultants, and staff to plan future outcomes and keep the Council fully advised of the City's status, needs, and financial condition, and making such recommendations to the Council for such laws, policies, and other measures as deemed necessary or beneficial to the City.

Knowledge Of

• Operations, services and activities of a City organization including water and sewer utilities. Advanced principles and practices of public administration including municipal budgeting and accounting, government, City Council, CRAs, City Charter and legislative processes.
• Principles and practices of program development, administration, municipal budget preparation, training programs, performance evaluation and administration.
• Methods of analyzing, evaluating, and modifying administrative procedures.
• Ability to take a fresh look at the City's strategic initiatives, as well as its Capital Improvement Plan and redevelopment opportunities.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and Local Laws, Codes and Regulations.
• Council-Manager form of Government.

Qualifications

Must reside full-time inside Highlands County, Florida or within a 25-mile radius of Avon Park, Florida within 180 days of hire, and remain for the duration of employment with the City.

Starting salary is dependent on qualifications. The City offers an excellent benefits package, including participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS).