Destin City Manager, Lance Johnson, to depart in January after 20 years

After 20 years with the city, Destin City Manager Lance Johnson and the City Council have mutually agreed to part ways effective January 2, 2024.

The Destin City Council held a special meeting on Monday night. One item on the consent agenda was the Separation Agreement and Mutual General Releases between Johnson and the city.

• Johnson has served as city manager since 2018 after initially being hired by Destin in January 2003.

Under the terms of the agreement, Johnson will continue receiving his salary and benefits through his final day. He will also receive a 20-week severance payment equivalent to his salary, benefits and perquisites.

• The city has agreed to pay Johnson’s health insurance premiums under COBRA through July 2025 or until he finds new employment.

• Johnson will retain his pension and retirement savings plan with the city.

After passing the separation agreement, Councilmember Jim Bagby pushed for the council to start the search process for a new city manager by drafting a request for proposal (RFP) to hire an executive search firm. Bagby wanted the RFP ready for the next council meeting in December.

However, after some back and forth discussion, Councilmember Torey Geile made a motion to table that discussion until the December 11 meeting. That motion passed 5-2 with Bagby and Council-member Johnny King voting no.