TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the City Attorney Employment Agreement With Michael Fuino.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the City Attorney Employment Agreement with Michael Fuino.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the City Attorney Employment Agreement with Michael Fuino.
* Pros: Fills the Charter position promptly, providing leadership continuity and avoiding additional recruitment delays and costs.
* Cons: Staff has not identified any disadvantages associated with approval of the City Attorney Employment Agreement at this time.
Option 2: Deny the City Attorney Employment Agreement with Michael Fuino.
* Pros: Preserves flexibility to reopen or continue recruitment, or to renegotiate terms to align with Commission direction.
* Cons: Extends the vacancy, risks losing the current candidate, and may reset the recruitment process for the Charter position.
Background Information
After interviewing three finalist candidates on August 29, 2025, the City Commission voted to pursue contract negotiations with Michael Fuino to serve as the next City Attorney. The City Commission directed Doug Thomas of Strategic Government Resources and Mayor Phil Stokes to negotiate with Mr. Fuino, to present for review and approval at a City Commission Regular Meeting.
Contract negotiations have concluded, and the City Attorney Employment Agreement is attached. The following are key negotiation points:
1. Employment start date of October 15, 2025.
2. Starting salary of $205,000 annually.
3. A six-month performance review with a potential $5,000 salary increase; and
4. Relocation costs not to exceed $5,000 in Article V.
The City Attorney Employment Agreement with Michael Fuino has been reviewed by the Interim City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
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Financial Impact
The City Attor...
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