ORANGE CITY, Fla. – A bid by Orange City’s mayor to remove the city clerk failed Friday night after a packed special meeting where every resident who spoke urged the council to keep her in the job.
The meeting was called after what city officials described as an escalating email exchange between City Clerk Kaley Burleson and Mayor Kellie Marks. In those emails, Burleson accused the mayor of creating a hostile work environment and retaliating against her for using paid time off. Marks said during the meeting that her tone in the emails may have been misinterpreted.
Dozens filled the council chambers, with residents taking turns at the podium to criticize the attempt to oust Burleson and to praise her work in City Hall. Many called the dispute “nonsense” and said Burleson had consistently gone “above and beyond” for the community.
After a discussion, Marks made a formal motion to terminate Burleson’s contract. The council listened to roughly two hours of public comment before voting down the motion.
Speaking after the meeting, Burleson said the turnout from residents meant a great deal to her.
“I’ve loved this community. I’ve lived in this community for 15 years,” she said. “I live, work and play in Orange City, and I really do love this community and its members.”
Marks also addressed the outcome, saying she respected the public’s involvement.
“I’m glad that the citizens came out to speak,” she said. “It’s important that the community express their opinions. Obviously, I was elected to do a job, and we have to make sure all of our departments run smoothly. We are going to have to rebuild.”
Marks said she plans to meet with Burleson to determine how they can move forward for the good of the city.