KEY WEST, Fla. — The Key West City Commission voted 4-3 Tuesday evening to authorize City Attorney Mayanne Downs to begin negotiations with embattled City Manager Brian Barroso over a potential amicable separation from the city.
The resolution was brought forward last week by District III Commissioner Donie Lee and added to the agenda for Tuesday’s special meeting on adoption of the city’s millage rate and fiscal 2026-27 budget. The city scheduled that meeting for 5:05 p.m. at City Hall.
Commissioners Chris Massicotte, Monica Haskell and Lee joined Mayor Sam Kaufman in voting to begin separation negotiations. Commissioners Lissette Carey, Aaron Castillo and Mark Rossi voted no — asking if the Kaufman and the manager “couldn’t just get along.”
The commission unanimously approved the final millage rate and fiscal 2026-27 budget before turning to the Barroso matter.
The 4-3 vote did not fire Barroso and did not approve a severance or separation package. Instead, it gives Downs authority to negotiate proposed terms for an amicable separation and bring the matter back to commissioners for further action.
Negotiations are expected to begin immediately, with the commission seeking an update at its Oct. 1 regular meeting.
Lee’s proposal had called for the city attorney to begin discussions with Barroso over a mutually agreeable departure rather than immediately moving to terminate him. It had no limits on severance, benefits or other considerations.
“No matter how you do this, it is going to cost money,” Lee told US-1’s Joe Moore during a radio interview. He reiterated those comments during the discussion.
Tuesday’s action marks the latest development in weeks of turmoil surrounding Barroso’s tenure and growing debate over his future at City Hall.
In addition to the separation negotiations, it appears that a parallel plan promoted by Kaufman for an independent investigation of Barroso establishing cause for termination will gain steam and likely be addressed at the Oct. 1 conclave.
This is an evolving story. Above the Fold will have additional reporting Wednesday.
I want to say $550. Attorney’s are expensive, but honestly not sure how good she really is unless your last name starts with a B. The last couple of meetings it is becoming apparent that she is selectively working towards Barroso’s benefit. Honestly, depending on how all this goes down, am wondering if the City might have cause for malpractice.
They should have hired Dirk Smits at Vernis & Bowling to begin with.
I am so shocked at this vote LOL! I won the bet on this one - with myself of course!