KEY WEST, Fla. — Mayor Sam Kaufman has called a special Key West City Commission meeting for 4 p.m. Thursday to consider providing City Manager Brian Barroso with the 120 days’ notice required to preserve the city’s right to modify or terminate his employment agreement.
The 120-day notice deadline is Sept. 9, 2026, based on Barroso’s initial contract term expiring Jan. 7, 2027. That leaves the commission only six days after Thursday’s special meeting to provide notice and prevent the automatic two-year renewal.
The commission amended Barroso’s compensation package in February, increasing his annual base salary to $265,000 — $30,000 less than he had requested. It was originally written by now felony-indicted former City Attorney Ron Ramsingh.
Kaufman, then serving as the District II commissioner, voted against the raise. The measure passed 4-2. Mayor Danise Henriquez was the only other dissenting vote.
BACKGROUND
Key West Commission To Weigh Contract That Would Make Barroso Among Florida’s Highest-Paid City Managers
The Key West City Commission on Wednesday will consider an amendment to City Manager Brian Barroso’s employment agreement that would make him one of the highest-paid city managers in Flor…
All wrapped with benefits Barroso would be set to earn $330,000 if the contract were extended.
The City announced the special meeting on its website and via social media at 4 p.m., Tuesday afternoon.
The looming contractual deadline is driving the urgency behind the special meeting, which will take place immediately before the commission’s regularly scheduled meeting. If the city does not provide notice before the deadline, Barroso’s contract would automatically renew for another two years with a five percent increase (roughly $13,000) over the already approved salary.
Providing the notice, would not automatically fire Barroso or immediately alter the terms of his employment. Instead, it would preserve the newly elected commission’s ability to review the agreement and decide whether to modify or terminate it.
However, if other commissioners express an interest in addressing Barroso’s termination during the special meeting, the commission reserves the right to take up the issue and act then and there.
Barroso has had a contentious relationship with several members of the dais dating back to Henriquez, with commissioners repeatedly clashing with him over management decisions, communication, a perceived lack of transparency internally and externally and the general direction of City Hall.
Kaufman Wins
KEY WEST, Fla. — Challenger Sam Kaufman was declared winner in the race for Key West mayor with nearly 59% of the popular vote.
Kaufman defeated Henriquez in the Aug. 18 election after campaigning in part on replacing both City Attorney Mayanne Downs and Barroso — bringing new leadership to 1300 White Street.
Thursday’s special meeting will give the newly seated commission its first opportunity to address Barroso’s future as city manager — but the entire commission will not be seated until the November election and should have input on the contract extension.
This discussion serves that purpose.
The city manager serves as Key West’s chief administrative officer and at the pleasure of the mayor and six-member City Commission.
This is an evolving story. Watch this space.