Former Police Chief Gary Goble will return to Orange Park as its interim town manager following approval of a contract during Tuesday's town council meeting.

Goble, who retired in 2024 after 35 years in law enforcement, will take on the role beginning May 30 following the resignation of current Town Manager Joseph Taylor.

Taylor, who arrived back in December, said his decision to step down was not easy and primarily due to increased family hardship and actions potentially being taken at the state level. He will head back to Iowa to serve as its next city administrator for Mount Pleasant on May 28.

The town council voted 5-0 to enact an agreement with Goble that would entail a six-month term through November, with the possibility of a two-to-three-month extension at the town's discretion.

According to the contract, the role would include an annual base salary of $152,000, as well as a cell phone and vehicle allowance. The town is also responsible for a retirement contribution equal to 10% of the base salary.

The town is still searching for a permanent candidate.

In other business:

Winnette Sandlin and Doug Benefield were sworn in for their second three-year terms on the council. Sandlin was appointed as mayor and Benefield was appointed vice-mayor.

"Mayor Anderson has left some very big shoes to fill and I can't fill them, they are way too big for me," Sandlin said. "But I'm going to do the best I can, let me put it that way. Thank you for the honor of representing you on this council."

The Town Council meets at 7 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of the month in the Council Chambers at 2042 Park Ave.