Candidates back review of city headcount and salaries; warn of service consequences if cuts are hasty

Audience members asked whether Fernandina Beach could reduce staff and budget to free up money. Stacy McMonagle questioned recent city-manager salary increases and hiring of two deputy managers and urged a line-by-line look: "Why did we hire 2 deputy city managers?" she asked. Scott English said reductions are possible but need careful assessment: some positions are flexible and may be reassigned, he said; Len Krieger also agreed headcount should be reviewed while cautioning that cutting stormwater staff could produce greater long-term costs.

All candidates suggested there may be places to trim but emphasized that reductions must preserve core services. Several cited examples where grants or reassignments — not layoffs alone — could be part of a budget response if the homestead-exemption measure reduces revenues.