New city manager is hired

Pierce garnered 430 points, followed by Nathan Goodman of Blountstown with 347 and Don Hart with 270.

Following the interviews, a motion was made by Councilman James Griffin, seconded by Councilman Clifford Jackson and unanimously carried to offer the job to Pierce.

During the interview, Pierce told the Council he would accept the $55,000 salary if he was selected and could start within a week. He will be notified today of the firm job offer.

Pierce is a licensed civil engineer and served as public works director for the City of Brooksville from 1996 to 2009. He has a degree in business administration, as well as engineering, and experience in grant writing. He told the Council he was terminated by the Brooksville city manager back in 2009 and provided a detailed account of a culvert issue that occurred while working on a trail project, resulting in his dismissal. Last year, Pierce captured a seat on the Brooksville City Council after running unopposed, becoming one of five bosses over the city manager who fired him.

Five finalists had been named for the Blountstown city manager position, but two dropped out just prior to the interview.