‘Extremely alarming’: Mount Dora mayor raises concerns over city manager’s performance

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — There is a battle brewing in the city of Mount Dora over how the city is being run.

This week, Mayor Crissy Stile blasted City Manager Patrick Comiskey and offered him a chance to resign.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The mayor criticized Comiskey about many things, including that he’s driving workers out of the city.

“What I’m about to initiate is probably the most uncomfortable conversation I’ve ever had to have in my life,” Stile said.

Read: Mount Dora gets warning letter over wastewater plant as foul smell persists throughout city

Comiskey has been in charge of day-to-day operations of the city for the past year and a half. He was hired by the council a little over a month before the mayor was elected and she said she isn’t impressed.

“At this point, right now, what’s happening in our city is alarming. Extremely alarming,” Stile said.

Read: Mount Dora residents voice concerns over planned high-rise development

Stile told city council members Comiskey disrespects workers and makes poor decisions. She also blamed him for an exodus of employees since he took office.

“Fifty-four of 98 people left because they were not happy with their job in the city of Mount Dora,” she said.

The city’s had an interim fire chief for nearly two years and an interim police chief for nearly a year since Chief Brett Meade resigned. That job hasn’t been posted yet.

Read: Residents near the city of Mount Dora say they are fed up with the smell and want action taken

But other council members said they don’t want to rush to judgment.

“Patrick is an employee also. And is there another avenue for correction? I’m a benefit of doubt guy.  I wouldn’t want to make a decision like that tonight,” said District 5 Commissioner Nate Walker.

One council member pointed out that Comiskey’s had good reviews and the board gave him a raise.

Read: Police: Man who walked out of his own trial found at Mount Dora hotel

Comiskey said he knew the mayor didn’t like him back in October, but pledged to work with her and said he wants to work with everybody and doesn’t want to step aside.

“Patrick, I would like to offer you the opportunity to resign your position because I don’t think you’re at retirement age, and I do want to offer you that opportunity,” Stile said.

“Uh, I decline,” Comiskey replied.

The council decided it would have individual council members and the city attorney meet with him, and they would conduct an anonymous survey with employees who work directly with him.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group