City Manager Fired By Temple Terrace City Council

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL — The Temple Terrace City Council has voted to terminate the contract of City Manager Charles Stephenson "for cause" Tuesday night at the regular meeting of the council.

The motion was made by council member Meredith Abel and seconded by council member Cheri Donohue before passing unanimously.

Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross then made a motion to appoint Temple Terrace Police Chief Ken Albano as acting city manager, which also passed unanimously.

See related story: City Official Arrested In Temple Terrace; Accused Of Rigging Bid

Albano will act in an ex officio manner as the city council seeks an interim city manager.

The came a day after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Community Development Director Amir Anisi and charged him with rigging a bid. Stephenson was not a target of the investigation but was Anisi's direct supervisor.

"It stands to reason Mr. Stephenson was either negligent in his duties or complicit in Mr. Anisi's activities," said Abel. "I believe Mr. Anisi could not have done this without active or passive cooperation from the city manager."

The Temple Terrace City Council will hold a special meeting at Temple Terrace City Hall, 11250 N. 56th St., on Monday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. to discuss the vacant position.