Deltona commissioners react to departure of city manager, deputy manager
In 27 years as a city, Deltona has had more than a dozen managers, and the most recent, Jim Chisholm, put in his resignation Tuesday.
Chisholm's resignation came a few days after that of Rick Karl, deputy city manager.
Chisholm served as manager of Daytona Beach for nearly 17 years before retiring in June 2021; he came out of retirement last October when he applied and was chosen as Deltona's next interim manager.
Karl, who previously served as the director of Daytona Beach International Airport, resigned on Aug. 10 after three months in the position.
Chisholm's annual salary was $200,000; Karl's was $165,000, according to the city.
Some commissioners said they were surprised by the resignations while others were not.
Commissioner Tom Burbank said the resignations were unnecessary and occurred over a misunderstanding.
"As a result, the City of Deltona is much weakened by the consequences," Burbank said by phone Wednesday.
Why did Chisholm resign?
Chisholm said by phone Wednesday evening that he had no comment regarding his decision to leave the helm of Volusia County's largest city.
"I am retired now and I love it," Chisholm said.
In a resignation letter to Mayor Santiago Avila Jr., city commissioners and staff, Chisholm did not offer a definitive reason for his departure but stated he never planned for his employment with Deltona to be for an "extended period of time."
"I have enjoyed working with the staff and Commission and wish the city success as you move forward as a community," Chisholm wrote. "It will take a commitment to achieve success by working together and putting aside your politics."
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Mayor, commissioners react
Mayor Santiago Avila Jr. posted Chisholm's resignation letter on Facebook Tuesday.
Avila said in the post and by phone that he had concerns about the commission "not receiving previously promised information in a timely manner.
He also voiced concerns about changes to development projects going through the city manager as opposed to coming before the commission.
Commissioner Jody Lee Storozuk echoed that concern by phone Wednesday and said he believed Chisholm was "getting worn out."
Commissioner Stephen Colwell said he thought Chisholm was doing a great job.
Vice Mayor Anita Bradford said via text message Tuesday that she wished Chisholm the best in his future.
"Jim Chisholm came with a vast amount of experience and helped move the city forward," Bradford said. "I want to thank him for taking time out of his life to jump into a very difficult position and assist the city when we needed him."
Burbank said he has no complaints regarding Chisholm's performance, and he doesn't blame him for leaving, especially amid criticism he was overpaid.
"He was top-notch," Burbank said.
Commissioner Dana McCool said she understood Chisholm "was wrestling with a lot of projects at one time."
Commissioner Maritza Avila-Vazquez could not be reached Wednesday.
Why did Karl resign?
Karl said via text Tuesday that he left on good terms for personal and family reasons.
Storozuk, during the commission's most recent regular meeting Aug. 7, asked about the status of searching for a permanent city manager, saying that Karl told him "if Chisholm leaves, he's leaving, too."
Karl did not respond to an inquiry regarding the commissioner's comment.
McCool said she was not surprised by Karl's departure.
"He's a devout family man and this job was taking a lot of time from him," McCool said. "Deltona politics is difficult, it's a challenge."
What happens next?
The City Commission is having a special meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall to discuss the following, according to the agenda:
Resignation of planning and development services director Joe Ruiz
Search for city manager and appointment of interim manager
McCool said the city needs a manager with both people and corporate skills.
She said she wants residents to remain engaged in the process as they are the "backbone of the city."
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Deltona officials react to resignation of Jim Chisholm as city manager
