The City of Cayce City Manager Brian Watkins was fired on Oct 17, “without cause by city council. ” He has been replaced by Tracy Hegler, the Richland County director of community planning and development, according to a City of Cayce news release.

Watkins was newly hired in July. He replaced Rebecca Vance, who left Cayce as city manager in March. She has held the position for seven years.

Watkins was city manager in Milton, Fla., before being hired by Cayce. According to a report in the Pensecola News Journal Watkins was fired from his last job as city manager. Milton City Councilman Jeff Snow told the newspaper that a lack of communication with Watkins, preceded his termination. Watkins has been the city manager for close to 10 years.

Watkins lack of communication involved an investigation of Milton City Council for a possible violation of Florida’s Sunshine Law, that guarantees public access to information and government records, according to tthe Pensacola News Journal. .

Hegler is scheduled to start her term as Cayce city manager on Nov. 19.

In her current position, Hegler oversees Richland County’s zoning, land development permitting, long range planning, floodplain management, conservation and sustainability initiatives, community development, tax assessments, registering of deeds, business licenses and building inspections. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Sociology and a Master’s Degree from Florida State University in Urban and Regional Planning.

“Tracy will bring a unique planning background and a management approach that will have her working closely with our neighborhoods, attending and promoting our many wonderful Cayce events, and meeting with our commissions and foundations – all to ensure the city’s focus on excellence and customer service. She will be a great addition to our team and a great City Manager for our citizens, our staff and our city,” stated Cayce Mayor, Elise Partin.

Hegler has stated she is a “People’s Manager” who places a strong emphasis on empowering staff, improving quality of life for our citizens, and ensuring that Cayce continues to be a vibrant community that maintains its hometown feel.

“We could not be more excited to welcome a dynamic Manager whose community outlook is a great fit for our City.” states Partin.