Firefighter Arbitration Case: The Witnesses

The Arbitration meeting took place on March 27, 2024 between The City of Tallahassee and our Tallahassee Firefighters (the Union). Throughout the five hour day,  four witnesses that work for the city were brought to the stand to testify. We did not include the Union representative Joey Davis. CapitalTea received several requests asking about the pay of these City employees.

First Witness Called To The Stand In Arbitration Case: Patrick Twyman

Patrick Twyman was the first witness called to the stand. He was called to the stand by the firefighter union. Twyman is employed with the City of Tallahassee for 30 years and is presently the director of financial services. As the financial services director he oversees a department that pays people, performs the financial reporting for the city, and maintains the non-utility accounts receivable and fixed assets. Patrick Twyman is paid $166,936.03 annually.

Second City Of Tallahassee Witness: Robert McGarrah

After a lunch break, The City of Tallahassee called Robert McGarrah as the second witness. McGarrah stated that he is the interim director of Human Resources and workforce development. He reported that he started working for the city in 1991 and spent 30 years in city management and executive positions. He retired for about 22 months before the City Manager Reese Goad asked him last year to come back as the interim director of human resources and workforce development. It was at the request of Reese Goad that McGarrah agreed to return and fill that position. *Edit to add that McGarrah was added to a category called “OPE” which allows him to be paid a full salary without paying into the pension system while at the same time collecting a full retirement. McGarrah is one of three high level city employees in this category. We should recall that McGarrah took over as Human Resources and Workforce Development after Ellen Blair was terminated from her position following her strong cautioning over the positive drug test by a police officer. Some have speculated her termination was retaliatory based on her stance and outspokenness in regards to  the officer. Robert McGarrah currently makes $175,091.28 annually.

Third City Of Tallahassee Witness In Arbitration Case: Angel Charlton

The third witness was Angel Charlton, who was first called to the stand by the city. She stated that she is the Retirement Programs Administrator. Charlton explained that she ensures the retirement calculations are accurate, update any pension plan modifications, and works closely with city treasurer clerk. Angel Charlton makes $108,930.17

Fourth City Of Tallahassee Witness: Robert Wigen

The City of Tallahassee finally  called to the stand Robert Wigen. He is the director of Financial Management and spoke about the fire service fees during his testimony. Robert Wigen makes $161,812.30