DeBary mayor Clint Johnson wants removal hearing in larger venue

DEBARY — A hearing next week where Mayor Clint Johnson could be removed from office is scheduled to take place in the council chambers at City Hall, but the mayor wants it to take place at a larger venue.

The chambers can hold just over 100 people, but nearby Florence K. Little Town Hall can fit about 200, according to City Clerk Warren Graham.

"I want whatever venue is necessary to accommodate the people who care about the stability and public image of their local government," Johnson said.

The Aug. 24 hearing is to determine if Johnson violated the city's charter and could be removed from office. It was originally set based on a text and an email from the mayor to city employees that a city attorney has said appeared to be orders — forbidden under the charter.

The issue was first postponed at a meeting in June that was originally supposed to be the hearing. It was delayed after city staff added new allegations and evidence of charter violations, including that Johnson dictated the removal of city staff and violated the section that says recommendations for improvements are to come through the city manager.

At the June meeting, about 180 people showed up, according to Graham.

Interim City Manager Ron McLemore said he will contact each council member individually and see where they want to have the meeting.

Graham said the current decision to have the meeting in the council chambers was because there is equipment there to broadcast the hearing live on the city's website.

Johnson said using a venue that will be too small is indicative of the continued disenfranchisement of the community. He added he believes the more people who show up, the bigger the crowd supporting him will be.

"The vast majority of this community thinks this is a ridiculous, ridiculous effort," Johnson said.