By Nick Kanavati | Pinal Post
The Florence Town Council unanimously designated Deputy Town Manager and Town Clerk Lisa Garcia as the Florence interim town manager on June 29, 2026. Garcia will assume the role on August 2, following Town Manager Bruce Walls’ retirement on August 1. The appointment is intended to provide stability and ensure essential town services and administrative functions continue without interruption.
Garcia’s Responsibilities In The Interim Role
Garcia will oversee day-to-day operations, supervise departments, and carry out policies and directives of the Town Council. Meanwhile, she will retain her existing responsibilities as Deputy Town Manager and Town Clerk. She will serve at the direction of the Town Council with the authority necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position during the interim period.
Attorney Explains Florence Interim Town Manager Authority
Town Attorney Robert Wingo detailed the legal reasoning for the formal designation. He noted that the town manager position is a contract role created by council. Additionally, Garcia’s job description as Deputy Town Manager already gives her authority to step in temporarily when the town manager is absent.
“Between now and August 2nd, should the current town manager be sick or be unavailable or just not be managing the town, there’s already authority for Miss Garcia to step in and have the authority to operate the daily operations of the town,” Wingo told the council.
Wingo noted that Walls’ retirement, unlike a temporary absence, requires the council to formally appoint an interim manager. The designation will remain in effect until the council selects a permanent town manager or takes further action.
