ORANGE PARK — After much deliberation, the town gave the final vote to hire Greg Becker as its new manager on Tuesday.

The evening meeting saw the narrowing down to three candidates from the six who were interviewed on Friday, July 11.

The other top two final candidates were Linda Connors and James Poag. Connors is the current town manager of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, while Poag is the current civic engagement director for Miami Gardens.

Questions ranging from the potential manager’s location to their experience were key points of discussion, however, a strong backing for Becker from residents ultimately steered the council in his direction.

Becker has been the Disaster Recovery Division Manager for Nassau County since 2024. Prior to that, he was the Emergency Management Program Manager for Polk County for almost six years and the Emergency Management Coordinator for Pinellas County for three years.

Becker had no previous background in town management; however, many residents cited his organizational skills and ability to meet the needs of every individual as perfect for the job.

“He’s somebody that I think we could mold into the town manager that we’re looking for,” one resident told the council. “Sometimes I think with people who have already come through and been in a position like that, they may come with their own preconceived notion of how they want to do things.”

Becker will take the place of current Interim Town Manager William Whitson.

In other business:

The council is considering a proposal to raise the town's millage rates for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. 

If approved, the current millage rate would increase from 5.7 to 6.55. This translates to $217.87 yearly for the average home; a little over $18 a month. 

This would be the highest property tax increase the town has seen in the last decade.

By law, the town is required to set the temporary millage rate at this point in the budget process.

Whitson said the increase is necessary to keep up with the escalating costs. The council has the ability to lower the rate if they choose but can’t increase if it’s set too low.

The increase is not final, but rather a preliminary rate. The final rate will be voted on in September.