St. Augustine Beach commissioners got sticker shock Monday after hearing a proposed salary range for the city’s next manager, ultimately agreeing to cap the position at $200,000 annually. Current City Manager Max Royle, who has served since 1989, earns $157,000 per year. The city is preparing to open applications to replace Royle, and commissioners spent much of Monday’s meeting reviewing a draft job posting for the position.
Jim Hanson, a senior adviser with the Florida City and County Management Association, which the city has retained to assist with its search, recommended offering a salary range of $180,000 to $230,000. The proposal drew immediate pushback from Commissioner Undine George.
“From our prior conversations, the range was going to cap out at $180,000, not start there — I’m not comfortable proceeding with that,” said George, the only commissioner seeking reelection this year who faces a challenger.
Hanson responded by citing salaries for city managers in nearby municipalities with comparable pay ranges, arguing Royle is “probably underpaid.” Commissioners questioned whether those cities were appropriate comparisons, noting many have larger populations and budgets than St. Augustine Beach, which has about 6,800 residents.
Mayor Beth Sweeny and Commissioners Virginia Morgan and Dylan Rumrell said a salary range of $180,000 to $210,000 seemed appropriate, but after nearly 90 minutes of discussion, commissioners agreed on a range of $160,000 to $200,000.
City Clerk Dariana Fitzgerald said the city hopes to post the position within the next week and accept applications through Sept. 21.
“Hiring city managers is a very long and involved process. There are cities that have been looking for years,” Fitzgerald said.
Not everyone supported the commission’s decision to begin searching for Royle’s successor, however.
Resident Susan Brady alleged Royle was being pushed out, possibly because of age discrimination, and urged commissioners to allow him to remain in the position as long as he wishes.
“I’m appalled by the way you have treated this man,” Brady said. “Mr. Royle is a genuine treasure and a true advocate for this community.”
Royle told St. Augustine Social he is willing to continue serving as long as he is needed and did not ask commissioners to begin searching for a replacement, though he respects their decision to do so.
He also downplayed the idea that there is tension between him and the commission while making clear he has not asked to retire.
“I don’t think there’s any friction. They’re a good commission to work for — probably the best in my 50 years in public administration,” Royle said.
Several other residents praised Royle’s commitment to the city, recounting how they frequently see him walking the streets and picking up trash. Others urged the commission to dedicate city funds to throwing him a “proper retirement party.”
Royle earned $39,000 annually when he became city manager in 1989. His 37-years on the job represent more than half the time since St. Augustine Beach incorporated in 1959, and he believes he ranks among the 10 longest-tenured city managers in Florida.
