Fernandina Beach resumes attempt to fill City Clerk position

DIGITAL CAMERASubmitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter – News Analyst

During today’s first special meeting of 2014, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) resumed its attempts to fill the position of City Clerk, which was vacated in January 2013 when City Clerk Mary Mercer resigned to accept a position with the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.  Deputy City Clerk Kim Briley has filled the position on an interim basis since then.

The commissioners considered the resumes of 23 current and qualified applicants, each selecting their top 5-6 candidates.  When the results were compiled, the following applicants were chosen to be interviewed:

  • Jennifer Fortin, SE Palm Bay, FL.  Current position:  Deputy Town Clerk, Town of Indialantic (5 votes)
  • Caroline Best, Fernandina Beach.  Current position:  Legal Assistant (4 votes)
  • Kimberly Gay, Lake Wales, FL.  Current position:  Town Clerk/CFO, Town of Lake Hamilton, FL (4 votes)*
  • Teresa Bolden, Valdosta, GA.  Current position:  Executive Secretary/Town Clerk (3 votes)
  • Melanie Bowers, Fernandina Beach.  Current position:  Deputy Internal Auditor, Nassau Clerk of Courts (3 votes)
  • Charmagne Manning, Alachua, FL.  Current position:  Assistant Deputy City Clerk (3 votes)

Commissioners determined to dispense with telephone interviews and conduct all interviews in person on one day, preferably January 13 or January 17.  The first part of the day will consist of individual, half-hour sessions with commissioners.  Panel interviews with the full commission will follow and be open to the public.  After completing the interviews, the FBCC will deliberate and possibly make a selection on the same day as the interviews.

Filling this position has been a challenge for the FBCC.  The first candidate selected for the position last year could not come to terms on a contract.  The FBCC put off further attempts to fill the position during FY 2012-13 for budgetary reasons.  Interim City Clerk Kim Briley is not currently an applicant for the position.

*Update:  Kimberly Gay is no longer under consideration.

Suanne ThammEditor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

January 6, 2014 5:03 p.m.