- Jason Kytle resigned as High Springs Public Works Director effective Feb. 5, leaving the position vacant along with the finance director role.
- City Manager Jeremy Marshall plans to interview candidates for the vacant positions, seeking a CPA-qualified finance director despite budget constraints.
- Vice Mayor Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. expressed concern about staffing vacancies amid infrastructure projects and stressed supporting public works staff is critical.
High Springs Public Works Director Jason Kytle is no longer with the city after resigning this month, leaving multiple departments with head staffing holes to fill.
Kytle, who was named High Springs’ 2026 Employee of the Year during the City Commission’s Feb. 12 regular meeting, did not give a reason for the departure in his resignation letter dated Jan. 7.
Kytle’s resignation, effective Feb. 5, came just ahead of City Manager Jeremy Marshall’s firing of Finance Director Diane Wilson last month.
As of last week, Kytle and Wilson’s positions both remain unfilled. Marshall said during the Feb. 12 meeting he would start interviewing applicants this week.
Although he wants to move forward with the public works applicants that Kytle had also approved before he left, Marshall said he wanted to collect a better pool of finance director candidates that included accountants.
“The auditor has stressed that we need somebody who’s good with the technical auditing or the technical accounting skills we need,” he said. “We need a [Certified Public Accountant (CPA)]. We can’t afford a CPA, but we need a CPA.”
Some commissioners expressed concerns last week about having two vacant department head positions ahead of ongoing budgeting issues and outstanding projects like the wastewater treatment facility expansion.
Vice Mayor Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. said the city needed to figure out a way to pay and support its public works staff better, because without sewer and water, they wouldn’t have a city.
“I hope the people that are watching online realize what kind of individual we’re losing here,” he said. “I’m sorry [Jason] for what you’ve had to deal with, the pressure, having to put the band aid on everything here. That’s why I’m worried about our infrastructure. He knew what was going on here.”
Kytle said in his resignation letter that his decision was not made lightly. He said he greatly valued serving the city alongside a dedicated team and offered to help pass off his responsibilities for a seamless transition.
After moving to High Springs in 2017, Kytle first worked in the city’s sewer department and as water superintendent. He stepped into the public works director position in June 2024.
“I have appreciated the support, guidance, and experience I have gained during my tenure. It has been an honor to contribute to the community and help maintain the infrastructure that benefits our residents,” Kytle said. “I wish the city continued success in its mission to serve the community.”
High Springs could also face a vacancy in its city manager position soon as Marshall seeks employment elsewhere.
According to meeting minutes from Auburndale’s Feb. 2 City Commission meeting, Marshall applied for the city manager position there with Veteran’s Preference. This week, the commission ultimately offered the position to its former Assistant City Manager Jeff Brown.
Editor’s note: This story was updated to include information about City Manager Jeremy Marshall’s recent interview for the city manager position in Auburndale.