The city of Port Richey is looking for a new city manager after the abrupt resignation of Don King Jr.
King, who was hired at the end of last year, submitted his resignation June 12. At a special meeting June 15, Port Richey council members appointed long-term city employee Sal Licari as the interim city manager. Licari has worked for the city for nearly three decades, most recently as operations manager.
At the meeting, Mayor John Eric Hoover read a statement portraying the resignation as the culmination of issues that had been developing over time. He noted that concerns had been raised during King’s 90-day evaluation and continued to persist in the months that followed.
“On April 28, 2026, the City Council conducted Mr. King’s 90-day evaluation,” Hoover read in his statement at the meeting. “During that evaluation, multiple council members expressed concerns regarding communication, responsiveness and overall management practices. At that time, council chose to continue moving forward and provide an opportunity for improvement.”
Most recently, a consulting payment became a focal point of discussion after council members learned the city manager’s office had authorized the payment without the additional review they expected and believed would occur.
“Last week, I became aware that payment for that proposal had in fact been authorized and made several months later without the matter being brought back before council for the discussion that had been contemplated,” Hoover said in his statement.
While the proposal involved a $9,850 expenditure — within the city manager’s spending authority — Hoover noted that council members had previously expressed that payment not be made until further discussions could occur.
“For me, and potentially for several members of council, this raised serious concerns regarding communication, accountability and trust between the governing body and the city manager’s office,” he said in his statement.
After discussing the issue with King on June 12, King submitted his resignation, Hoover said.
“I also want to reassure our residents, businesses, community partners and city employees that Port Richey remains in a very strong position,” he said. “We have an outstanding leadership team, dedicated department directors, exceptional first responders, and hardworking employees who serve this community with professionalism and pride every single day. The success of this city has never rested on one individual. It is the result of a team of committed public servants working together to move our community forward.”
Hoover said after the meeting that the city’s next step is to negotiate a contract with Licari for the interim city manager position, which could be approved as soon as the June 23 council meeting or shortly thereafter.
Suncoast News reached out to King for comment, but did not receive a response.