PALATKA, Fla. – Palatka’s city manager broke her silence Wednesday night, publicly responding to a list of misconduct allegations that have stirred controversy in city government for months.
The nearly three-hour special-called commission meeting didn’t end with a decision on Palatka City Manager Marcia Carty’s future — but it gave residents and city leaders a clearer picture of what’s at stake.
List of accusations
Carty has been under investigation since earlier this year, when multiple city employees filed complaints against her. She was placed on administrative leave during that time, but returned to work last month after a vote from city commissioners.
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The external investigation, which wrapped up Monday, outlined several accusations:
- Creating a toxic work environment
- Sharing confidential or sensitive information
- Blurring the lines between personal and professional relationships
- Making comments about an employee’s ethnic background
Carty has denied all of the allegations.
One of the more sensitive claims came from an employee who said Carty made inappropriate remarks about her racial identity. That moment was addressed directly during the meeting.
“I’ve never disrespected anyone,” Carty told commissioners. “As for blurring the lines between business and personal, there were three instances I remember receiving help from city workers. Mainly, it was offered by Public Works. My car wasn’t working.”
In one allegation, Carty was accused of commenting on an employee’s eyebrows, suggesting the treatment brought out her “Indiana features,” and questioning the employee’s description of her own racial background.
Carty said the conversation was casual and initiated by the employee while talking about an upcoming vacation.
“She talked about her treatment, and then she said her father is Black and her mother is Puerto Rican,” Carty explained.
While the commission did not vote on Carty’s employment status, several members acknowledged the need for due process — including Commissioner Rufus Borom.
“To be fair to Ms. Carty, I think we should do what’s right,” Borom said during the meeting. “She asked for a curing process. She hasn’t had a chance to correct anything. It sounds like no one told her she crossed boundaries.”
Mayor Robbi Correa, who read each allegation aloud during the meeting, said the concerns brought forward by staff needed to be taken seriously.
“There’s a higher standard for city leadership,” she said.
What’s next
Although no action was taken Wednesday night, commissioners are expected to revisit the issue during meetings scheduled for Oct. 20 and Oct. 23.
For now, Carty remains in her role as city manager, while oversight of day-to-day staff operations continues under Acting Assistant City Manager Jason Shaw.