(This story has been updated with new information.)
BUNNELL — The Flagler Board of County Commissioners Monday, March 2, approved a mutual separation agreement with County Administrator Heidi Petito, placing them in a position to hire her replacement.
Petito will continue in the role until no later than July 14, 2026, but the exact date will depend on the next steps.
The board also agreed to meet as soon as possible for a workshop session to discuss hiring an interim or permanent replacement for Petito, as well as to decide whether they want to keep her on until the July date, which means she would stay through the budget preparation process for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Petito addresses ‘tension’ impacting Flagler County employees
In her remarks to commissioners, before discussion about the proposed agreement began, Petito recognized that “there has been tension building among the board members over the past several months.”
“This tension has started to impact our employees and the organization’s ability to focus on the important work that we do,” Petito said.
The latest development comes nearly two months after Vice Chair Kim Carney moved to fire the county administrator, citing a “lack of confidence” in Petito’s work. Fellow commissioners did not support the motion at the time, including Chair Leann Pennington and Commissioner Pam Richardson, who, like Carney, scored Petito between 2.1 and 2.4 out of 5 in her written evaluations late last year.
Petito referenced now former Deputy County Administrator Percy Sayles’ resignation letter earlier this month, paraphrasing some of his words: “Knowing when it’s your time to go is a sign of strength and leadership.”
Her decision, Petito said, “reflects that same understanding.”
“I look forward to working together respectfully to chart a positive path forward, and I thank you for your consideration,” she added.
In a letter to county staff Monday morning, Petito wrote that “a few commissioners have signaled that they wanted a change in administration, though there was no clear plan for how to achieve it.
“By submitting my resignation, I hope to give them the opportunity to move in the direction they feel is needed and, in doing so, allow a thoughtful plan to take shape,” she added.
Petito to receive severance package after board agrees to ‘mutual separation’
Petito had submitted a voluntary resignation agreement proposal to the board prior to Monday’s meeting, suggesting she remain in the post through the 2026-27 budget preparation season.
The move, however, would not allow her to receive the 20-week severance package she requested in the proposal.
County Attorney Michael Rodriguez said the board could change the agreement’s language to characterize it as “mutual separation agreement,” introducing termination action on the county’s part and therefore making Petito eligible to receive a severance package.
Petito’s salary is $212,939.47, which means the 20-week severance pay would amount to approximately $81,700. In addition, the county administrator will also receive a $17,420 reimbursement for tuition costs related to the bachelor’s degree (business administration) she earned during her employment, as well as a master’s degree she is currently pursuing.
Carney and Richardson argued against Petito continuing on in the post, suggesting the best way forward was to immediately terminate her contract and seek a replacement, especially given the current “tense” relationship between Petito and some of the board members.
Commissioners Greg Hansen and Andy Dance disagreed, arguing that Petito should receive a severance package for her decades of work in the county, and that her staying in the post would allow county staff to resume their current tasks without added responsibilities that would fall upon them with Petito’s exit.
Pennington, Carney, Dance and Hansen voted in favor the agreement; Richardson opposed.
A date for the workshop session to determine next steps has not yet been determined.
Commissioners thank Petito for her work to the county
Dance thanked Petitio for her “time commitment” and “public service to the county.”
He praised her for taking on the role five years ago, succeeding former County Administrator Jerry Cameron in June 2021.
“There were some comments about rising through the organization, which is what Ms. Petito did,” Dance said. “She understands our systems, our staff and the community in a way that’s not going to be easily replaced.
“That kind of leadership sends a message to every employee, that experience, commitment and performance within the organization matter,” Dance said.
Carney, Petito’s most vocal critic, also took the opportunity thank the county administrator.
“As I mentioned in her evaluation, she is a truly dedicated employee with many, many years of experience and fortitude,” Carney said. “Transitioning and change is difficult, and it is difficult for everyone.”
She said she hopes Petito can share her “institutional knowledge” with staff and department heads as the board begins the process of finding a new administrator.
“I’m confident that she will bestow whatever is needed to the staff before she leaves,” Carney said.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Flagler approves ‘mutual separation agreement’ with county admin
Reporting by Brenno Carillo, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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