Photo by Trei Johnson
Voters in Kenneth City approved two charter amendments in the March 10 municipal election that reshape how the Town hires its top administrator. The changes directly affect Town Manager Will Herbert, who took office four months ago.
The amendments allow professional experience to substitute for certain education requirements and expand where a town manager may live.
Town Clerk Kristin Cook said council members who ran unopposed in the election have already been sworn in. The mayor will take the oath of office April 8.
During the same meeting cycle, the council also formally changed Herbert’s title from interim town manager to town manager.
Experience Can Replace Degree Requirement
The first charter amendment changes how Kenneth City evaluates candidates for the town’s top administrative job. Previously, the charter required a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business or a related field. The new language allows local government experience to substitute for that requirement. Town leaders say the change gives Kenneth City more flexibility when hiring future administrators.
Herbert spent 24 years working for the City of Pinellas Park before accepting the Kenneth City position.
“I was brought up by great leadership and prepared for this through the people I worked with in the past,” Herbert said.
The amendment allows the Town to consider experienced municipal professionals who may not hold a specific academic credential but bring decades of government service.
Photo by Monroe Roark
Residency Rule Expands Hiring Pool
Voters also approved an amendment that changes where the town manager can live. Under the new rule, a town manager no longer has to live in Florida when hired. However, the manager must establish a residence within 30 miles of Kenneth City within 60 days of taking office. Town officials say the change could expand the applicant pool when the position opens in the future.
Kenneth City has experienced frequent turnover in the town manager role over the past several years.
“There hasn’t been a town manager here who lasted more than five years,” Herbert said.
Running a Small Town With Limited Staff
Herbert stepped into the role after a period of administrative turnover. Kenneth City has about 5,000 residents and operates with a small municipal workforce. Employees often handle multiple responsibilities across departments.
“We all wear multiple hats here,” Herbert said. “It’s not a bunch of people doing one job. It’s a few people doing several.”
Herbert said the town’s staff works to prioritize projects despite limited resources.
“We’re looking to provide solutions and move forward and push the baggage to the side,” he said.
A Resident Turned Town Manager
Herbert has lived in Kenneth City for about 10 years, giving him a perspective few town managers bring to the job. That experience allows him to understand both sides of local government.
“You hear a lot of things as a resident,” Herbert said. “But when you come behind the curtain, you see a small group of people working hard and doing their best.”
Herbert said strengthening community engagement remains one of his priorities. Kenneth City sits between larger cities like St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park. Herbert believes the town’s identity lies in maintaining its small-town atmosphere.
“There is such a thing as small-town charm,” he said. “People here are proud of living in Kenneth City.”
The Town plans several community events this year, including a townwide yard sale and other activities aimed at increasing participation.
“When residents participate in what the town is doing, it builds a stronger community,” Herbert said.
Looking Ahead
Herbert signed a five-year contract when he accepted the position. He hopes to help stabilize the town manager role after years of turnover.
Still, he focuses on the day-to-day work of running the town.
“I take it one day at a time,” Herbert said. “My job is to do what’s best for the town.”
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