TO: Mayor Mark Short
FROM: Amber LaRowe, MMC, CPM
DATE: September 28, 2026
SUBJECT: Resignation
Mayor Short:
Please accept this memorandum as my formal resignation from my position with the City of Anna
Maria, effective [effective date].
This decision has not been made lightly.
I have invested a significant amount of time, energy, and professional commitment into the City, its employees, its administrative systems, its public-records responsibilities, and the organizational changes necessary to support effective municipal operations.
Over the past several weeks, however, I have reached the point where I no longer believe I can responsibly continue to accept the level of professional responsibility assigned to me without corresponding support, authority, and timely resolution of serious concerns I have formally raised.
Since September 23, 2026, I have submitted multiple formal grievances, administrative review requests, records-management memoranda, and requests for independent investigation concerning workplace conduct, dissemination of sensitive employee-relations information, handling of City records, and preservation of public records.
Two formal employee grievances were submitted under Section XI(E) of the City’s Employee Handbook. I specifically requested neutral review and written determinations and removed myself from any investigative role because I was personally involved in the underlying matters.
I also submitted a formal request for an independent administrative investigation addressing the cumulative effect of workplace conduct, dissemination of sensitive information, use of City systems, heightened scrutiny, and the impact these circumstances were having on my ability to perform my duties effectively. I requested preservation of relevant evidence and evaluation of interim protective measures.
Separately, in my capacity as Records Management Liaison Officer, I documented the dissemination of complaint and investigative records containing confidential information without prior RMLO review, redaction, or authorization through the City’s public-records process. I also
requested law-enforcement and administrative review concerning that dissemination.
Most recently, I initiated a formal records-integrity investigation after approximately 93 City electronic records associated with Dean Jones were identified as having been deleted. I requested immediate preservation measures and temporary restriction of access to City electronic systems while that review was pending because continued unrestricted access created a records- preservation concern.
That recommendation was not accepted.
I recognize and respect that the Mayor has management authority and may reach conclusions different from my own. However, as City Clerk and RMLO, I also have independent professional obligations to identify risks, preserve the integrity of City records, document potential compliance issues, and raise concerns when I believe the City’s administrative or records-management responsibilities may be compromised.
I cannot continue to accept responsibility for the integrity of processes I am charged with administering while lacking the authority or institutional support necessary to protect those processes when significant concerns arise.
I am also increasingly concerned by the number of formal matters I have submitted that remain unresolved or without clear assignment, findings, or written determinations. Although a general administrative-review and records-preservation notice was issued, my individual grievances and broader requests for independent review remain pending. The City’s adopted grievance procedure provides a process for review and response, including defined timelines and written decisions at the appropriate stage.
Taken together, these circumstances have caused me to conclude that I no longer have the confidence necessary to continue effectively in my current role or to move forward into expanded administrative responsibility.
This resignation is not based upon one disagreement, one employee, or one isolated decision. It is based upon the cumulative effect of being responsible for HR administration, employee relations, records management, compliance, organizational operations, and increasingly serious workplace matters while repeatedly finding that the responsibilities assigned to me exceed the authority and support available to carry them out effectively.
I have always tried to approach these matters carefully, factually, and professionally. I have repeatedly avoided predetermined conclusions, requested neutral review where I was personally involved, documented my actions, and sought to protect both employees and the City.
At this point, however, continuing in my position would require me to accept professional
accountability for circumstances and processes that I do not believe I am sufficiently empowered to protect or resolve.
That is not a position I am professionally comfortable remaining in.
Prior to my departure, I will ensure that records in my custody are preserved, that outstanding RMLO and administrative matters are documented, and that appropriate transition information is provided so the City can continue addressing these matters after my separation.
I am proud of the work I have completed for the City and of the systems, policies, organizational improvements, and professional standards I have worked to establish.
I sincerely hoped to continue that work and to serve the City in an expanded leadership capacity. However, under the present circumstances, I believe resignation is the most appropriate professional decision.
Respectfully,
Amber LaRowe, MMC, CPM
City Clerk / HR Administrator
Records Management Liaison Officer