Photo provided by Jason Nunemaker
FELLSMERE — City Manager Jason Nunemaker will resign next month after accepting a new job as chief administrative officer for the city of Plantation in Broward County, he said.
Jason Nunemaker
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JASON NUNEMAKER
Nunemaker, 48, who has served Fellsmere since 2005, said he sent in his resignation letter April 11 to the city council and mayor Joel Tyson. Nunemaker’s resignation is effective May 10, and he will start his new job a few days later.
“The initial factor for me leaving was because my wife and 2-year-old daughter live in Broward County,” Nunemaker said. “Also, it seemed like a professional growth opportunity.”
Nunemaker made $144,000 annually as city manager. He will make $150,000 for his new job in Plantation.
The city manager said council members were very supportive of his decision.
“They’re an outstanding group of people and understand my motivation as far as my family,” Nunemaker said. “They have been tremendous to work with.”
Nunemaker said he will put Fellsmere in touch with the Florida City and County Management Association. The association will provide the city with resources for recruitment and selection of a new city manager.
Nunemaker said he loves Fellsmere, a town in northern Indian River County with a population of nearly 6,000 residents. Nunemaker said he has been proud to be involved in many accomplishments for the city, including bringing in police Chief Keith Touchberry.
“He has been able to fundamentally transform the police department by instilling trust and integrity. They have done an outstanding job for the city.” Nunemaker said. “He engages with the public, youth and is a constant presence at Fellsmere Elementary.”
Touchberry, who has served as police chief for the past six years, said it was a privilege and pleasure to work with Nunemaker. The police chief said he is grateful for the opportunities Nunemaker provided him to succeed.
“His support for our initiatives in the community contributed greatly to our police department’s success,” Touchberry said. “He will be hard to replace.”
Nunemaker also noted developments he has worked on for the city. Some of those include bringing in Oculina Bank, partnering with the Boys & Girls Club to construct a new building and the planning and development of the Trans Continental Central Railroad Overpass on Interstate 95.
The search for a new candidate for the city manager position will officially begin next month. On May 2, a representative from the FCCMA will conduct a presentation to the city council about finding the ideal candidate.
