Panama City Severance Standoff | Panama City Beach News

Panama City is locked in a heated debate over whether to pay severance to outgoing clerk-treasurer Jan Smith, who retired voluntarily — a move the mayor calls unusual, but Smith argues is consistent with past precedent. Both former City Manager Mark McQueen and the previous clerk received severance when they left, and Smith cites a formal letter requesting equal treatment. But commissioners counter that Smith’s retirement agreement tied her to finishing the city’s audit — work currently months behind — making severance seem financially irresponsible. The decision is on hold until the audit wraps up, while a ballot proposal to replace the clerk-treasurer role with an independent comptroller aims to improve financial oversight. Meanwhile, finalists for the new clerk position will be interviewed live at City Hall on August 19th. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a97b2597d591f4e5