- October 5, 2026
Bunnell Vice Mayor John Rogers said his concerns about City Manager Alvin Jackson had been building for months before Jackson submitted his resignation, ending an eight-year tenure leading the city.
Rogers said he learned from the city attorney earlier this week that Jackson had formally submitted his resignation.
“Although I was aware that discussions were taking place, I did not consider the matter official until the resignation was submitted and communicated to the Commission,” Rogers told the Observer.
The Bunnell City Commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, to consider accepting Jackson’s resignation and a separation agreement. The commission is also expected to discuss appointing Bunnell Police Chief Dave Brannon as interim city manager.
FlaglerLive first reported Jackson’s resignation on Oct. 2.
Rogers told the Observer that his concerns were not the result of a single incident.
“Over time, I became increasingly concerned about communication with the Commission, transparency, the handling of significant city matters and the resulting loss of public confidence,” Rogers said.
Rogers said he eventually concluded that commissioners needed to publicly discuss whether the city needed a change in leadership.
“As commissioners, we have a responsibility to ask difficult questions and address concerns when we believe the city is moving in the wrong direction,” he said.
Recently FlaglerLive reported that Jackson contacted the employer of a Bunnell resident after the resident filed public records requests with the city.
Rogers said he already had serious concerns about Jackson’s leadership before learning of that incident.
“The reported contact with a citizen’s employer after she exercised her right to request public records further underscored the need for the Commission to address the situation,” Rogers said.
“Regardless of who the citizen is or whether we agree with that person, residents must be able to request public records and question their government without feeling intimidated or fearing consequences outside City Hall.”
Despite his recent criticism, Rogers said he had supported Jackson for much of Jackson’s eight years as city manager.
“There were accomplishments during his tenure, and I supported him when I believed he was serving Bunnell’s best interests,” Rogers said.
But Rogers said his confidence in Jackson changed as concerns accumulated over communication, transparency and the administration of city business.
“More recently, those concerns became substantially more serious,” Rogers said. “This was not personal. My responsibility is to the residents of Bunnell and the taxpayers who entrusted us with their city.”
Monday’s special meeting will begin the process of determining who leads Bunnell following Jackson’s departure.
Rogers said commissioners will first consider accepting Jackson’s resignation and discuss his separation agreement. They will then consider appointing Brannon as interim city manager and discuss his contract and responsibilities in that position.
Rogers said he supports Brannon taking over on an interim basis.
“I support Chief Brannon serving as interim city manager because he can provide stability and continuity during this transition,” Rogers said. “He knows the city, understands the organization and has demonstrated leadership experience.”
Brannon told FlaglerLive that he would accept the interim position if asked to serve.
Rogers said Brannon would not simultaneously serve as police chief. Lt. Shane Groth would instead lead the Bunnell Police Department while Brannon serves as interim manager.
Once a permanent city manager is hired, Rogers said Brannon and Groth would return to their regular positions.
The commission is also expected to begin discussing how it will select Jackson’s permanent replacement.
“This is one of the most important decisions we will make, so we need to establish clear expectations, communicate openly with the public and select the best person to lead Bunnell,” Rogers said.
For Rogers, communication and transparency will be among the qualities he wants to see emphasized under the city’s next manager.
“All five commissioners should receive important information equally and promptly,” he said. “Commissioners should not have to repeatedly request information necessary to perform their duties.”
Rogers said the next manager must also recognize the importance of public access to city government.
“The next city manager must understand that public records, public meetings and public questions are fundamental to accountable government,” he said.
“People may not always agree with our decisions, but they should never have to question whether their city government is communicating honestly and operating transparently.”
Rogers said Jackson’s resignation gives Bunnell an opportunity to move into a new period of leadership.
“Bunnell has been through a difficult period,” Rogers said. “We now have an opportunity to restore trust, improve communication and move the city forward.”
