Manatee County Commission Notes: 10/6/26

The League of Women Voters of Manatee County Government Committee observes Manatee County Commission meetings for items of interest to citizens and the League, and notes adherence to, or nonadherence to, good governance procedures and the Sunshine Law. The following are the major points from the board’s regular meeting on 10/6/2026.

Commissioners Ballard, McCann, and Rahn were absent

Chair Tal Siddique noted that there was not a quorum. The Commissioners took a brief recess to try to establish a quorum. After the recess, staff reported that Ballard and McCann cannot appear in person and Rahn communicated last week that he could not attend this meeting.

Siddique allowed commissioners to comment on Commissioner Agenda Item 2. Administrator Contract, but took no public comments on future agenda items or on the two agenda items, as that would constitute business. He then opened discussion on agenda item 1, continuance of the Data Center Moratorium.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Andra, resident and activist, heatedly stated that the change is a planned coup of the county administrator's contract. She emphasized that the continuance is a coordinated effort and that commissioners were going to try to censor her and she would report it to the State Attorney’s office as a violation of sunshine legislation.

Carol Whitmore, Holmes Beach Commissioner and former Manatee County Commissioner, confirmed that discussion of Ordinance 26-42, Data Center Moratorium will be covered on October 8 at 9 am.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner George Kruse requested that Commissioner Jason Beardon delete Item 2. Administrator Contract from the agenda. He argued against initiating termination proceedings now, claiming it is fiscally irresponsible and would leave a new incoming board without an administrator. He noted that giving notice now could result in $40,000 in unnecessary costs and severance obligations. He expressed concern that this item was “inciting the masses and effectively handing out the stones to allow the public to stone Charlie”.

Bearden contended that the current board has the responsibility to manage county business and address difficult personnel issues regardless of an upcoming transition. He emphasized that the current board possesses the necessary experience to lead these discussions.

Kruse continued that initiating a termination discussion only eight days before a new board takes over is punitive and disruptive for staff and finances. Bearden emphasized that this board needs to have the discussion about Charlie's performance because they have the experience in managing him, and it does not imply whether or not a motion for his dismissal would be made.

 GOVERNANCE

Link to Good Governance Guidelines

• First of the month regular meetings traditionally include employee of the month recognitions and monthly proclamations. Regular meetings vote on consent agenda items and other regular business of the commission. The decision by the County Administrator and BoCC Chair not to add available items, because it was light, was a disservice to the commissioners and the public. Now those items will need to be shifted to either a land use meeting or the end of the month. The Land Use Meeting is an inappropriate date and both meetings will run longer than necessary as a result.
• This 2 item agenda likely contributed to three commissioners scheduling other commitments and the inability to reach a quorum.
• Commissioners are elected and compensated to attend meetings and conduct county business. The annual schedule was published nearly a year in advance. Choosing not to attend undermines the Board’s responsibility to the public.
• This lack of quorum created heated debate and confusion about when to reschedule agenda items