The Alachua City Commission confirmed Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares as interim city manager during its regular meeting on Monday.  

Commissioner Dayna Williams made the motion to appoint Valladares, which Vice Mayor Shirley Green Brown seconded. The nomination was solidified after a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Jacob Fletcher in dissent.  

“I am honored for this election, and the answer is yes,” Valladares said after the vote. 

The need for an interim city manager in Alachua came after former City Manager Mike DaRoza announced his resignation on May 26. 

DaRoza distributed copies of his resignation letter to the commissioners after eight years of working for the city and spending the last three as city manager. His contract as city manager was set to expire on July 25.  

DaRoza’s letter and former interim city manager contract were included as exhibits with the interim city manager agenda item for Monday’s meeting, as well as a one-way communication email from Fletcher to the commissioners, city manager city attorney and deputy city clerk. 

Fletcher’s email sent on May 29 expressed concerns over an attempt to appoint Valladares as interim city manager outside of a publicly noticed meeting without action of the full commission, as well as about Valladares’ consideration for the position. 

As a city employee, Valladares will receive a 10% increase in base salary and will have the option of resuming duties as a city employee at the end of his interim city manager contract. 

City Attorney Marian Rush will work with Valladares on drafting the terms of his contract and present it at the next regular meeting on June 23. 

Editor’s note: This story will be updated with additional content.