Collier County manager temporarily absent from county, acting county manager appointed
Jake Allen
Collier County commissioners appointed an acting county manager after discussing the temporary absence of County Manager Mark Isackson during a budget hearing Thursday evening.
County officials did not state what exactly was keeping Isackson away from his duties with the county.
Deputy County Manager Sean Callahan was appointed as acting county manager by the commissioners, via a 4-1 vote.
Commissioner Penny Taylor said Isackson’s absence from the county was temporary.
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Collier County Attorney Jeffrey Klatzkow told commissioners that for legal reasons, it was important they appoint an acting county manager.
"My understanding is that Mr. Isackson is temporarily out of the office," Klatzkow said. "We don't know when he is coming back with certainty. It would be my recommendation, given that uncertainty, that the board consider appointing an acting county manager until Mr. Isackson's return."
Commissioner Bill McDaniel, the sole commissioner to vote against appointing an acting county manager, said he did not think it was necessary to do so Thursday.
Isackson has been in communication with staff and county business has continued to move along while he’s been away from the office, McDaniel said.
Taylor said it was important for the county to protect itself against legal issues before commissioners voted to appoint Callahan as acting county manager.
"We are the face of government to the public," Taylor said. "When there is an irregularity, we need to shore it up legally and I think this does it. It's a temporary irregularity."
Isackson could not be reached for comment before publication of this story.
County officials did not say how long Isackson had been out of the office or give a reason as to his absence.