Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
City Manager Robert Nixon’s future remains uncertain as city commissioners prepare for a public hearing that could determine whether he remains in his role.
Nixon has been serving without a valid contract for months, and recent changes in city leadership have brought renewed attention to his employment status.
During the May 13 commission meeting — the first regular session since the April municipal elections — commissioners voted 3–2 to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, May 27, giving two weeks notice, as required by the city’s charter.
The decision comes on the heels of significant turnover on the commission, with newcomers Devonta Knight and Lane Stephens replacing former District 2 Commissioner Angela Grant Sapp and former District 4 Commissioner Freida Bass-Prieto.
Stephens introduced the motion to initiate the hearing, while Commissioner Ronte Harris opposed the move, expressing concern about the timing. Harris warned that making leadership changes this close to the upcoming budget season could disrupt city operations.
Commissioner Robin Wood also voted against the move.
“We’re about to move into the summer months–June, July and August–where we’re going to be tasked with passing a budget; we’re going to be tasked with getting this done in a timely fashion,” Harris said. “And we’re going to do this while searching for a city manager?”
Harris said he didn’t think that was the best move for the commission at this time.
Mayor Beverly Nash, who placed the item on the agenda, emphasized the need for procedural clarity.
Nash has called for Nixon to be ousted several times since being elected in 2023.
In October, Nash called a special meeting to address concerns related to Nixon, who is serving in his position while being a convicted felon.
Nash questioned the city’s policy while raising concerns about activity on a utility account associated with Nixon’s business.
Nash made several allegations against Nixon’s office, and presented public records, which she said backed up her claims.
The May 27 hearing is expected to give residents and officials a platform to address Nixon’s performance and the city’s direction moving forward. As the commission weighs its options, the outcome could reshape the future of city leadership in Quincy.
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