Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
Following the unanimous vote of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) during a special meeting on January 27, 2014, newly appointed City Clerk Caroline Best thanked the commissioners and said, “I will work hard to make sure your confidence has not been misplaced. I will be a City Clerk who will make you proud.”
The commissioners agreed to pay Best an annual salary of $58,600, allow her to accrue sick and vacation leave like other city employees, remain in the city’s pension plan and receive a payout of 10 weeks of severance pay, should she be terminated following an initial 6-month probationary period. In return, Best agreed to pursue Certified Municipal Clerk accreditation.
The commissioners began their deliberations on a draft contract without Best present. Terms of that draft provided for 8 weeks of severance pay. Commissioner Charlie Corbett moved and Commissioner Gass seconded the contract, which appeared on the agenda as Resolution 2014-11.
The FBCC called Best into the chamber to discuss concerns that she might have. Bach emphasized to Best that changes had been made in the draft agreement since Best last reviewed it. She carefully enumerated each.
Best’s primary concern related to allowing for only 8 weeks of severance, while her predecessor was allowed 16 weeks. Gass said that such benefit had been granted during the “Golden Time,” which is in the city’s past. With added discussion, commissioners agreed to add an additional two weeks to compensate Best for giving up the employment security of a city job for a less certain employment as a contract employee who can be separated at will. Best is currently employed by the city as Legal Assistant to the City Attorney. Commissioner Pat Gass said that she hoped that Best would go on to serve as a long-term clerk, in the tradition of former city clerks Vicki Cannon and Mary Mercer. Other commissioners agreed. In addition to thanking commissioners, Best credited other city employees with whom she has worked in her current and former city positions for helping her develop skills and abilities to broaden her horizons.
The meeting lasted 20 minutes, and there was no public comment. Best will take the oath of office and report to her new position on February 4, 2014.
Editor’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 27, 2014 5:38 p.m.
As she has done in her other positions with the City, I know that Caroline will do an outstanding job and will work well with the others in the Clerk’s office to provide exemplary and quality service in this most important area. Best wishes Caroline.