The City of Clermont held its regular council meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at 3 pm.
Highlights of the meeting were two topics which could change the structure of the city for years to come.
After a lengthy discussion, the council voted to move the start time of future council meetings to 3:00 pm, effective July 29.
Some attendees voiced concerns about the earlier start time, asking the council to delay the decision until a thorough assessment could be conducted to determine whether the change would truly benefit all Clermont residents.
Mayor Tim Murry also expressed reservations, stating that an earlier meeting time might make it difficult for residents who work outside the city to return in time to attend. He emphasized the importance of civic participation, noting that many residents who want to be involved in city business may be excluded by the time change.
Several residents echoed these sentiments, reminding the council that city meetings are intended to serve all citizens—not just a select few.
Despite these concerns, the majority of council members argued that earlier meetings lead to more productive discussions and better decision-making. The motion ultimately passed, setting the new meeting time to 3:00 pm beginning July 29.
Uncertainty Lingers Over City Leadership
The meeting also addressed the recent appointment of Dan Matthys as Clermont’s new Deputy City Manager. With over 27 years of experience in city and county government—including eight years as Community Development Director for the City of Maitland—Matthys brings a wealth of leadership and planning expertise to the role. He is a Certified Public Manager and holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning.
While Matthys’s arrival signals forward movement in the city’s leadership structure, a lengthy and often unclear discussion among council members left many questions unanswered. It remains uncertain whether Matthys is being positioned as the permanent City Manager or if further delays in the selection process are to be expected.
What is clear is that both the current Acting City Manager and Deputy City Manager are expected to return to council on July 29 with a formal transition plan. Until then, the city’s top leadership role remains unresolved.
Despite the ambiguity, Matthys expressed confidence and readiness to lead.
“I’m excited and ready to take on the permanent City Manager position,” he stated, signaling his commitment to guiding Clermont through its next chapter.
