The City of Palm Coast will host the two finalists for the City Manager position this week and invites residents to take part in a day of public engagement on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
The finalists are:
- Richard Hough, currently serving as Director of Public Works for Walworth County, Wisconsin. He previously served in the United States Army and retired as an Army Colonel.
- Paul Trombino, currently serving as Director of Public Works for the City of Greeley, Colorado. He previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer and Director & Homeland Security Advisor for the State of Iowa.
Residents are encouraged to attend the public interviews, which will be held at Palm Coast City Hall, located at 160 Lake Avenue. The interviews will also be live-streamed on the City of Palm Coast YouTube channel.
- 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Public Interview with Richard Hough
- 2:45 – 4:15 p.m. – Public Interview with Paul Trombino
Later that evening, the City will host a Community Meet & Greet in the Jon Netts Community Wing from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This informal event will give residents the opportunity to meet both candidates, ask questions, and share their thoughts. Light refreshments will be served.
In addition to the public sessions, both candidates will spend the day engaging with city leadership, including one-on-one interviews with City Council Members, a meeting with the Executive Leadership Team, and a guided tour of Palm Coast.
This is a key step in the selection process for the next City Manager, and community input is a valued part of the decision. All residents are encouraged to participate.
Bill says
Holding meetings mid day benefits.
A. Government Employees
B. Citizens
celia pugliese says
I would say, too little too late. None of the two finalists have a “Masters in Public Administration” like some local applicants have, that were not even considered to be on the first list. Why all applicants were not presented? I would rather had a local resident with good credentials or local attorney with well over 25 years in Palm Coast, as a city manager, than any chief of public works elsewhere. We need someone that knows our city and all its shenanigans long history that affect us residents and also knows the great things though fewer that city achieved since its 2000 incorporation.Also someone that pays taxes and utilities here! Isn’t “the hands on experience” that moved council and us to support Laureen Johnston as an interin city manager? Not knowing the day to day operation of Palm Coast and its unique history will take a long time to learn by any outside the area manager and also while learning in our pockets more costly errors can be made. Example the just 13,000 errors bills while “improving?” our utility billing when “if ain’t broke don’t fix it”. Why are city administrators allowed to make unneeded changes? Who benefits with it, as is not us footing the bill.
Duane says
Lack of experience as a city manager presents a significant challenge. Additionally, unfamiliarity with Florida’s Sunshine Laws and Public Records requirements adds a steep learning curve. The absence of any background in hurricane preparedness and emergency management further complicates the situation. There are individuals who have lived in Palm Coast for over 30 years and have served as city managers. It’s worth asking why these qualified, experienced residents have not expressed interest in the position.
There are some serious and relevant concerns that go beyond just a résumé. Leadership in a city like Palm Coast isn’t just about management skills on paper; it’s about local knowledge, experience with Florida-specific regulations, and readiness to handle major state-specific challenges like hurricane preparedness and response.
Not having experience with Florida’s Sunshine Laws and Public Records can absolutely be a big hurdle—those laws shape transparency and governance in critical ways. And when you add in hurricane planning and emergency management, it’s not just a technical role anymore—it’s a high-stakes job that demands local knowledge and proven crisis leadership.
Skibum says
Will residents wishing to participate in the selection of a new city manager be required by the mayor to stand in the parking lot and ask their questions of the candidates… just wondering?