LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – The city of Mount Dora is operating with a interim city manager after city leaders voted to suspend the current person in the role.
Patrick Comiskey was placed on paid suspension in a 5-2 vote by commissioners Monday evening during a special meeting.
“At this evening’s meeting, we have adopted its findings. We have suspended Mr. Comiskey,” Mayor Crissy Stile said.
In May, Mayor Stile called for an investigation of the city manager and other city offices following what was described as a whistleblower report.
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Commissioners eventually agreed to pay nearly $160,000 for a third-party law firm to conduct an audit report of the allegations.
The city attorney said he was given the report shortly after New Year’s Day, and the meeting was the first time the board has met since its release.
The allegations include limiting promotional opportunities and purposely leaving dozens of positions open, including police chief.
Several commissioners told the board they believed the report was biased and did not fairly illustrate the impact and influence Comiskey has had on the city.
In fact, most of the public comment consisted of residents who supported Comiskey staying in his role as city manager.
The board voted to appoint a new inter-city manager along with an interim assistant city manager. The commission also made a special motion to give the interim city manager the authority to select an executive assistant of his choosing.
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