In the heart of Fort Pierce, city commissioners gathered on May 19, 2025, to discuss a pivotal decision regarding the hiring of a new police chief. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of urgency and caution as the commission weighed the merits of utilizing a search firm versus relying on the city’s internal human resources department.

The meeting opened with a call for input from the commissioners, with one member expressing unwavering support for the city manager's discretion in the hiring process. "I have full faith and trust in the city manager to do whatever appropriate action is necessary to get that chief," he stated, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach.

However, Commissioner Gaines raised concerns about the potential costs associated with hiring an external search firm. He highlighted the city's recent budget discussions, which had focused heavily on financial constraints. "We just cried about money for the last two hours," he remarked, questioning the necessity of incurring additional expenses for a search firm when the internal department could handle the task.

The city’s human resources director acknowledged the challenges faced during the previous city manager search, noting the strain it placed on the department. He assured the commissioners that while the HR department could manage the search, an external firm could streamline the process, allowing staff to focus on their daily responsibilities.

As the conversation unfolded, the commissioners agreed on the need for a structured approach. They decided that the city manager would gather information on potential search firms and their costs, ensuring that the commission would have a clear understanding before making a final decision. This collaborative effort aimed to balance the need for a thorough search with fiscal responsibility.

In addition to the police chief discussion, the meeting touched on broader financial issues facing the city. Commissioner Broderick suggested that the city manager prepare projections regarding funding shortfalls, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive capital improvement plan. This plan would not only address immediate concerns but also position the city to compete for federal funding in the future.

As the meeting drew to a close, a call for more accessible scheduling of special meetings was made, reflecting a desire for greater public engagement. "Let's try to work not with our schedules, but work with the public's schedules," one commissioner urged, highlighting the importance of community involvement in local governance.

The discussions at this special meeting underscored the delicate balance Fort Pierce's city leaders must maintain between effective governance and fiscal prudence, setting the stage for future decisions that will shape the community's safety and financial health.