APOPKA, Fla. – Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta has dismissed two city employees, News 6 learned Saturday.
A letter from the city’s human resources director says Interim City Administrator Radley Williams and Finance Director Blanche Sherman were “separated from employment” as part of a reorganization.
The separation takes effect Oct. 1. Until then, both employees will remain on paid administrative leave, according to the letter.
HR Director Joe Patton said Williams and Sherman were each offered a six-week paid severance package. Both employees, however, have chosen to take time to review the offer.
The personnel changes follow months of scrutiny by News 6 into controversial rate increases in Apopka.
Earlier this month, the city approved an increase to its millage rate. The higher property tax rate is expected to generate about $2.1 million more than the previous rate, with the additional cost falling on homeowners.
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The change came one day after Apopka increased rates for water, sewer and garbage services—another set of higher costs that will affect homeowners.
A notice sent to residents earlier this year attributed the utility increases to expected operating costs, capital expenses and ongoing increases in costs.
Mayor Nick Nesta defended the increases, saying the city needs the money to complete planned work.
“We didn’t want to raise rates, but we gotta get these projects done,” the mayor said. “At the end of the day, if you want quality water and water that has the right pressure … these projects have to get done.”
News 6 is asking the city what specifically led to the job cuts and whether the positions will be filled again.
We’ll share more information as it becomes available.