Marathon City Council member and former Mayor Robyn Still joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the city.
Marathon is talking about the city manager position. A contract for Steve Williams will likely be considered at the council’s September 8 meeting. Williams has been serving as interim city manager while also continuing his duties as city attorney.
Still said the arrangement has required Williams to handle two demanding full-time responsibilities and that the city needs dedicated people in both positions.
“He’s been double duty, so he’s been the city attorney and city manager, and those are two really packed full-time jobs,” Still said.
Still said Williams, as city attorney, prepared the proposed contract, but she noted that the agreement is also being reviewed by an independent attorney’s office before it goes to the council.
She said the council will ultimately have the authority to accept, reject or modify the terms before voting on the contract.
If Williams moves into the permanent city manager position, the city attorney position would become vacant. Still said the council will have to determine how to fill that position, potentially including an internal candidate or an outside search.
She pointed to the city’s assistant city attorney as a potentially qualified candidate but said the five-member council will ultimately decide whether to open the position to outside applicants.
“We absolutely have to move forward with that filling that position,” Still said.
The council is also entering the city’s budget season.
Marathon has scheduled a special meeting for September 16 for the first public hearing on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, followed by a final public hearing September 22.
Still said council members and city staff are reviewing the budget for additional potential cuts. The city has already made reductions, and the council is looking for additional savings where possible.
The millage rate initially established during the budget process represents the highest rate that could ultimately be set, Still said. The council is now working to see whether that rate can be reduced.
“The goal is to drop that millage rate if we can,” she said.
The budget hearings are open to the public, and meetings are also recorded and available through the city’s website and Facebook page.
Marathon is also continuing enforcement efforts against unlicensed contractors.
Still discussed a recent joint operation involving the city, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detectives, the State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The operation targeted people performing or offering contracting services without the required state or county licenses.
Five individuals were cited during the operation.
Still said the issue goes beyond whether an unlicensed contractor might offer a lower price.
“You don’t know if they’re insured, and I think it’s a safety issue as well as let’s follow the rules,” Still said.
She encouraged anyone doing business in Marathon to obtain the proper licenses and documentation.
The city is also continuing infrastructure work, including the replacement of guardrails along a portion of Sombrero Boulevard. Still said Marathon has numerous projects underway that may not always be visible to residents but are progressing behind the scenes, including bridge repairs and other infrastructure work.
Deputy City Manager Brian Bradley was also recognized for his work supporting the city. Still said Bradley has taken on numerous responsibilities and recently assisted Monroe County when the county needed additional personnel.
Meanwhile, several improvements and community activities are moving forward.
Still said the city’s skate park project is finished and is already attracting residents. Construction on a new splash pad is also expected to begin.
A free family “float-in movie” is scheduled for October 10 at the lagoon on Grassy Key. The event begins at 6 p.m., with the movie scheduled to start at 7 p.m. This year’s film will be “The Perfect Storm,” following last year’s showing of “Jaws.”
The city is also planning another trick-or-treat event on the beach in October.
Still said Marathon’s events committee continues to organize activities at Community Park and elsewhere in the city.
She also encouraged residents to participate in the “Best of Marathon” voting, which recognizes local businesses, community members and events. Voting is underway through September 6 at midnight.