The Pahokee City Commission held an afternoon Special Meeting on April 6, with the purpose of addressing matters involving Charter Members on April 2, 2026. The meeting dealt with a verbal altercation involving two Charter Officers: Interim City Manager and the City Clerk which took place in city hall in front of fellow staff. The tension arose when Bussey attempted to provide The Request for Proposals (RFP) #2026-01 for IT Services to an unauthorized person. The Interim Manager attempted to bypass the established bid process that is directly handled by the Office of the City Clerk. Municipal Clerk Clarke made clear that she was acting in her official capacity to keep Pahokee from once again being cited by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) with findings, etc.

It is clear by Bussey’s behavior that she believes she can do as she pleases with no regard to proper protocol or distinction between her role and that of Clerk Clarke. Bussey does not understand that the City Clerk is not her subordinate. The Clerk works independent of the Manager. As Charter Offices/Officers, they report directly to the City Commission along with the City Attorney. The Commission hires, fires, and provides oversight of those three positions.

At the meeting, Bussey was very defensive and once again attempted to make everyone else the issue. She only took responsibility for her language and telling the City Clerk to “shut up” during the City Hall meltdown. Observing last night’s meeting, it’s clear McDonald doesn't care what Bussey does wrong. McDonald will do anything to take heat off Bussey as she did when Former Finance Director Martin resigned due to “internal controls violation by the Interim Manager.” Very crazy that Bussey and her supporters want you to believe the problem is everyone else but her! At some point, the Commission will have to stop blaming staff and look at the cause of problems: Bussey herself! Ask yourself, what and who is the common denominator in the current Pahokee dysfunction over last several months.

The meeting video has 690 views so far. View it https://www.youtube.com/live/-cB7C_3MuxU. This altercation is yet another shinning example as to why Bussey should not become permanent City Manager. She is unfit for the role. Bussey does not have the education and more importantly, the experience necessary to fulfil the duties. What is more astounding is that Bussey likely still has 2-3 yes votes to become permanent manager on April 14. Sadly, Scott and McDonald will vote in the affirmative despite these demonstrated instances of unprofessionalism, failure, and disregard for the Manager position. I foresee Vice Mayor Cowan-Williams and Mayor Babb as the dissenting votes in offering Bussey permanent Manager status. The vote will come down to McPherson. Since he voted her in as Interim Manager, he has towed the line in supporting her (even when there is information showing her actions have caused staff to leave the city and creating a hostile working environment.) There is pressure on McPherson by Bussey’s family, friends, and supporters to continue to be the third yes vote to make her permanent municipal manager. If McPherson caves to said pressure, he will cement his lack of a backbone and prove he is unfit for leadership.

In the end, Pahokee needs a serious, capable, experienced, team-oriented professional, and collaborative permanent city manager. The City of Pahokee will continue to stagnate until the administration is cohesive and the Commission unified toward solving the city’s problems.

Sincerely,