Palatka Commission Discusses City Manager’s Role Amidst Allegations

PALATKA, Fla. — The spotlight was on Palatka’s city manager, Marcia Carty, during the commission’s meeting on Wednesday night as serious allegations were brought against her.

The inquiry into Carty’s conduct was initiated following complaints from city employees. On Wednesday, city commissioners gathered to scrutinize these claims and consider Carty’s position.

While no conclusive decisions were made, the commissioners reviewed the nine accusations facing Marcia Carty. During this specially convened session, Carty had the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

The investigation report, which was presented to the city commissioners earlier on Monday, detailed the nine claims against Carty.

With employees claiming: she created a toxic work environment, made inappropriate comments on race, appearance and age; and used city employees to assist with personal favors like fixing doorknobs at her home and retrieving her car.

Carty denied most allegations, while admitting that a public works employee did help with work at her home.

“If I hurt someone’s feelings they could have come to me and said ‘hey Ms Carty you did so and so,’ so I’d know I crossed a boundary,” said Carty, while answering to the allegations Wednesday.

“I do think the city manager is held to a higher standard,” said Mayor Robbi Correa, “If the city manager isn’t aware that that’s something you shouldn’t do, how would any other employee know.”

After years of turnover in Palatka’s city leadership, commissioners said it’s time to break the cycle.

“You know we have had instability in the city with our city managers over the last few years,” said Commissioner Anne Henderson Davis, “while I’m not saying Carty has to pay for the instability I just want to make sure we consider the outcomes.”

While some residents voiced support for Carty, they also urged city leaders to implement stronger oversight and accountability.

“I think she’s a wonderful person, she’s not perfect, none of us are,” said one resident.

“It sounds like what happened is she came to an executive position with a supervisor mentality,” said another resident.

“This decision is something we’ll have to put our boots on tight and make a stance one way or another,” said Commissioner Justin Campbell. 

Marcia Carty still remains city manager, however, employees under Carty still report to Chief Jason Shaw who is serving as the Acting Assistant City Manager. 

The recommendation commissioners came to Wednesday night is not set in stone, but in it they state that Marcia Carty be restored to her position, but with stipulations.

Carty would be required to have a city manager coach to guide her, schedule an employee workshop with the HR department and she must provide a plan on how she plans to address accusations.

Commissioners will come together again on Monday, October 20th at 6pm, to continue discussing what’s next for Carty. Then they’ll have further discussions on Carty’s fate at the October 23rd commission meeting.