Palm Coast, FL (May 27, 2021) Adding one more name to the list of those leaving the City of Palm Coast, City Manager Matt Morton submitted his letter of resignation on Thursday, shocking the community.
Palm Coast City Councilman Ed Danko shared his surprise.
“I was surprised at this resignation,” said Danko. “I had no advance notice and I am looking forward to hearing the reason directly from Mr. Morton at the next city council meeting.”
Morton now joins the list of high profile staff turnover during the past two years for the city that began shortly after Morton took the helm in April 2019, and follows the recent resignation of the City of Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland on May 18th.
Vocal about Morton’s time with the city, Digital Communications Coordinator Jason Giraulo resigned on June 20, 2019, after nine years with the City of Palm Coast.
“Matt Morton’s ultimate legacy for Palm Coast is one of unending turmoil. His time here will forever be marked by massive staff turnover, unvetted hirings, and a looming ethics investigation,” said Giraulo.
“Ultimately I find his administration to have been a total failure. The real challenge now is where do we go from here. How do we attract the kind of City Manager candidate that will be willing (and able) to take on the mess that is being left behind, put politics and the past aside, and work for what is truly right for the City and its citizens.”
Read More: Matt Morton Resignation Letter
A press release provided by Brittany Kershaw, the city’s director of public information and engagement gave a brief update to the community and what is to follow
City of Palm Coast Media Release:
Palm Coast – On May 27, 2021, Matthew Morton has tendered his resignation as City Manager for the City of Palm Coast. In accordance with Morton’s employment contract, the resignation gives the Palm Coast City Council a 30-day notice.
In his resignation letter, Morton said, “I am proud of all that has been accomplished, which two years successive performance reviews attest to. We have built a citizen focused culture, managed a global pandemic emerging stronger, significantly increased metrics in foundations of livability, transparency, quality of life saw our financial condition and ratings improve.”
The Palm Coast City Council will appoint an interim City Manager in the coming weeks.
