Alvin Jackson, the eight-year city manager of Bunnell, has resigned. The development was made known in an updated agenda for the City Commission’s upcoming meeting on Monday, October 5.
Jackson’s resignation comes as public opposition mounts against his perceived role in fast-tracking a proposed landfill development. Residents have spoken out against Jackson keeping the development’s details secret until just before the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board meeting that approved it.
Also in recent days, Jackson was reported by FlaglerLive to have contacted a resident’s employer following a public record request. Public record laws outline detailed parameters for how government agencies are to respond to requests, with responses normally only being authorized for the individual who filed the request.
At the City Commission’s Monday meeting, they’ll be tasked with approving the appointment of Police Chief David Brannon as interim city manager. Brannon was hired by the city in February 2022 after 25 years with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. The City Commission will additionally vote to accept Jackson’s resignation and begin the hiring process for a new permanent city manager.
Though Jackson’s resignation was somewhat abrupt, it was not entirely unforeseen. He initially planned to resign in February 2028, before changing that date to June 2027 in September. He was then reportedly planning to leave at the next scheduled meeting on October 12, but City Commissioner John Rogers pushed to have a special meeting held regarding Jackson’s employment. As residents steadily voiced their displeasure with him and as allegations of wrongdoing began to mount, it’s possible the City Commission would’ve had the votes to terminate Jackson if such a motion was made.
Alvin Jackson was hired by the Bunnell City Commission in September 2018 in a unanimous 5-0 vote. Just prior to that he was Economic Development Director for Suwannee County, FL from July 2014 to September 2018. Jackson earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Maryland in 1982.
Earlier in Jackson’s career he served as an administrative assistant for the town of Eatonville, FL from 1988 to 1990, Leisure Services Director for Eustis, FL from 1990 to 1993, Deputy County Manager for Lake County, FL from 1996 to 2001, and Deputy Executive Director for the South Florida Water Management District from 2001 to 2005. He also has several private sector leadership roles under his belt.
