Crestview Declines to Fill Vacant Deputy City Manager Position
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Crestview, FL. — City of Crestview declines to fill vacant position after creating the position because it was too much work for a City Manager of 6 years of experience to handle.
On January 13th of 2025, Crestview Mayor Pro-Tem Doug Capps, Precinct 3 Council member, suggested in an open meeting that the city create the position of Deputy City Manager. The reasoning was the workload on then City Manager Tim Bolduc had become too much for one person. After some discussion, the five-member council came to a consensus to create the position.
Two weeks later, at the January 27th meeting, then city manager, Tim Bolduc addressed the council and informed them he had chosen administrative director Jessica Leavins to fill the newly created position.
On February 4th, just eight short days later, then City Manager Tim Bolduc, who has had the position for the past six years as the first city manager of Crestview, announced he would be leaving the city. Bolduc cited “I believe that the role of a city manager is one that should not be permanent but should instead be one of stewardship to improve the community and to establish a firm foundation for the next leader to build on as they continue to move the city forward.”
At the February 10th meeting, now former Councilman Ryan Bullard said when it comes times for Tim Bolduc to leave it would be more than likely Leavins would transition to Interim City Manager. Bullard continued by saying he would like to see the position of City Manager be posted open competitive, just as the vacant council seats are done.
Leavins was named interim city manager on May 1st.
At the Crestview City Council special budget meeting and retreat held on July 8, Mayor Whitten addressed the five-member council about advertising the position of city manager.
After much discussion, Councilman Capps made the motion to remove the title of interim and promote Leavins to city manager and enter into contract negotiations and Councilman Bullard seconded the motion.
After further discussion, Councilman Bullard called for a vote. When Councilman Brandon Frost started to speak and give his opinion, Councilman Hayes interrupted and said Councilman Bullard called for a vote and we should vote. After a brief period of silence, Councilman Bullard made the motion to call a vote. Councilman Frost again tried to speak and was quickly interrupted, and Mayor Whitten called the vote. Councilmen Allison, Bullard, Hayes and Capps all voted yes and Councilman Frost cast the only no vote.
On July 10th, we reached out to Councilman Frost and asked for him to clarify his lone no vote. Councilman Frost stated while he supports Leavins, the reason he voted no was because he disagreed with the council and believed in the process. Councilman Frost further sated he believed the position of City Manager should be advertised to allow qualified people to apply and let the citizens who he represents have a chance to speak and then vote for the best qualified person.
On January 14th, we contacted Crestview City Clerk Natasha Peacock and requested the status of the position of Deputy City Manager. After the city clerk verbally answered the question, we asked for it in writing.
Two weeks later, on January 27th, the Crestview City Clerk provided the radio station with the following formal response. “In response to your inquiry, I can confirm that the Deputy City Manager is a budgeted position within the City of Crestview’s organizational structure. However, at this time, the City does not have plans to fill this position. The position remains in the budget but there are currently no plans to advertise or recruit for it.