Panama City Beach has approved the contract for its new City Manager, Mario Gisbert. A unanimous decision at Thursday's council meeting carried the resolution of approval.
This is the last step towards retirement for 32 year veteran City Manager, Richard Jackson. Jackson was retired as of 12:01 am on Friday.
He said he's happy to pass the torch to Gisbert.
Meanwhile, Gisbert is thrilled the contract is finalized and he's ready to get to work.
"We've already come up with some ideas that will help streamline the budget. Make a little bit of money in some places, save a little bit of money is other places. Make some transitions interdepartmentally. We're already doing some things that are exciting and there's a lot more to keep it going that way," said Gisbert.
Gisbert was voted in by the council in June of this year. Since then, the contract has been drawn up and discussed by the City Attorney, Gisbert and the City Council.
Breaking the contract down, Gisbert will earn $120,000 per year, plus benefits.
As part of the job, Gisbert will be on call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. However, in recognition of the on call status, the city will provide a $450 per month car allowance and a city-paid cell phone.
Additionally, all reasonable and customary travel expenses will be covered and he will receive comparable vacation time and holidays.
Mayor Gayle Oberst said she's excited for the new beginning.
"Well, I think it's going to be an exciting time for the city. There's a lot of things we're going to be looking at and we'll have a new face and some new ideas. It'll all be good," said Oberst.
Gisbert is the former assistant city manager for Panama City Beach. He comes with a background in architecture and was once employed by the St. Joe Company.
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