KEY WEST, Fla. — Mayor Sam Kaufman called for an independent investigation by the City of Key West’s Human Resources Department into City Manager Brian Barroso’s behavior Wednesday during the first press conference of Kaufman’s administration.
“These concerns did not begin last week,” Kaufman said. “Serious issues involving the city manager have developed over a period of months.”
Kaufman said some concerns involve documented events or matters he personally witnessed, while others remain allegations or unanswered questions requiring investigation.
The memorandum and investigation request follow a Sept. 3 special meeting at which Kaufman asked the City Commission to notify Barroso that it reserved the right to review, modify or terminate his employment agreement. The commission rejected the proposal in a 4-3 vote. Kaufman and Commissioners Haskell and Massicotte were the only ones to vote in favor of the city exercising its contractual rights.
The contract’s 120-day notice deadline is today, and without notice, Barroso’s contract is set to renew automatically Jan. 7, 2027, for another two years with a 5% raise. The increase would add $13,250 to his $265,000 base salary, bringing it to $278,250.
Those commissioners voting in favor — Aaron Castillo, Lissette Carey, Vice Mayor Donie Lee and Mark Rossi — appeared unaware before the special meeting that allowing the deadline to pass would trigger the automatic renewal and raise.
Barroso — who has refused to speak with the media since shortly after beginning his stint as city manager — has not yet publicly responded to Kaufman’s latest statement.
Above the Fold is reviewing Kaufman’s memorandum before releasing.
This is an evolving story. Watch this space.
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Thank you for reporting this, but learning that the relationship has gotten this acrimonious isn't a good thing. Especially as we're heading into budget season. Even if things are to change, we need people working together in the interim.