HAWTHORNE – The City of Hawthorne has seen its share of tough times. In years past, the town struggled with financial woes, grappled with homes being built on a landfill and most recently shut down its seemingly thriving police department. Just last week commissioners voted 4-1 to fire City Manager Chad Shryock and the town’s balance sheet isn’t looking healthy. But help is only a letter away.
Alachua City Manager Clovis Watson, Jr. is extending a helping hand to Hawthorne on behalf of the City of Alachua’s 9,000 or so residents. That comes after a letter on Thursday from Hawthorne Mayor DeLoris Roberts, who requested Watson to consult with her city.
“I am certain you are aware of the present situation the City of Hawthorne finds itself in at this time…
“I turn to you for assistance at this time due to the marvelous work you have done for the City of Alachua these last years,” wrote Roberts.
Roberts also inquired about the fees Watson might charge for consulting with the town of roughly 1,600 residents.
“We consider it money very well spent, since we are confident that you would provide us with guidance second to none,” Roberts said.
By Friday afternoon, Watson had responded saying, “I can assure you that I understand your situation, and am also concerned for the welfare of a sister city.”
Watson also said he “gladly and enthusiastically” accepted the challenge adding, “[I] would not consider charging you for the service in light of your present difficulties.”
Watson said in his letter to Roberts that Alachua’s commission shared his concern about the future health of Hawthorne and would support him in the endeavor.
Roberts said in an interview Wednesday, “We are delighted to have Mr. Watson’s assistance and leadership during this transitional phase.”
Watson had already met with residents and commissioners earlier this week to discuss the ways Alachua might help Hawthorne and what the town was looking for in a city manager. Watson said he did not expect Alachua’s assistance to come at the expense of taxpayers in his town.
“The types of help we’ll provide might come in the form of our developed processes and background checks.
“If we should reach a point at which there area expenses involved, we will take the matter to the legislative bodies to hammer out terms of an agreement,” said Watson.
The recent helping hand from Watson is not the first interaction leaders from Hawthorne have had with Alachua. Roberts and Watson both alluded to a tour of Alachua taken by Hawthorne commissioners about a year ago. The two towns are also both represented in several organizations. Watson likened the relationship to a mutual aid agreement in which two agencies agree to help each other should either one need it.
“I’m honored by the confidence Hawthorne has in Alachua and me to help their town during this trying time.
“I have made it clear that I am not stepping in to wag the finger of blame at prior city managers or cast aspersions on anyone.
“I want to help a sister city in the same way I expect they would come to the aide of the City of Alachua if we so needed,” Watson said.
