Schenck v. State, Unemployment Appeals Commission

Appellant, who had been city manager of Pahokee for twelve years, resigned because it became apparent to him that the new mayor wanted to terminate him and had the votes to do so. He was denied unemployment benefits because he voluntarily left work and he now appeals. We reverse.

Although appellant served at the commission’s pleasure, and no reasons were needed to terminate him, the city charter required a resolution, which provided for notice and a hearing before the city commission. Before any of that occurred, the new mayor said at a meeting that he wished to terminate appellant and two…