NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — The Neptune Beach City Council meeting on Tuesday night was full of high emotions.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
The special agenda included city council members giving statements describing City Manager Stefen Wynn as conducting “flagrant negligence to duty” and having “lost confidence about working for the best interest of the city.”
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
“On Sept. 19, I read into record many concerns that I have with the the city manager’s poor performance surrounding his incompetence, recklessness and ineffective leadership,” said councilwoman Lauren Key. “It is in the best interest of Neptune Beach to relieve Mr. Wynn of his duties.”
It was first reported by Action News Jax that Wynn was facing questions for claims the he created a toxic work environment within city government. The claim surfaced since Wynn was appointed to his position in 2020.
Related Story: Neptune Beach city manager being accused of creating toxic work environment
Aside from being implicated in bullying and using profanity toward employees, Wynn accused two Neptune Beach employees of stealing $500,000 in city funds. This is a claim that councilwoman Key said just wasn’t true.
On the Jan. 17, 2023 special agenda, the City Council accepted a motion to terminate on cause. They unanimously voted 5-0 to fire Wynn.
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
The council said they were disappointed that the offers submitted to Wynn to step down were rejected. The council apologized to the city and its residents.
Wynn sent Action News Jax the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:
“Over the last 3 years, I’m proud of the accomplishments of the Neptune Beach team and I wish the best of luck to the city’s next leadership.”