Florence, AZ — The Florence Town Council unanimously designated Deputy Town Manager and Town Clerk Lisa Garcia as the Florence interim town manager on June 29, 2026. Garcia will assume the role on August 2, following Town Manager Bruce Walls’ retirement on August 1. The appointment is intended to provide stability and ensure essential town services and administrative functions continue without interruption.
Garcia’s Responsibilities in the Interim Role
Garcia will oversee day-to-day operations, supervise departments, and carry out policies and directives of the Town Council. Meanwhile, she will retain her existing responsibilities as Deputy Town Manager and Town Clerk. She will serve at the direction of the Town Council with the authority necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position during the interim period.
Attorney Explains Florence Interim Town Manager Authority
Town Attorney Robert Wingo detailed the legal reasoning for the formal designation. He noted that the town manager position is a contract role created by council. Additionally, Garcia’s job description as Deputy Town Manager already gives her authority to step in temporarily when the town manager is absent.
“Between now and August 2nd, should the current town manager be sick or be unavailable or just not be managing the town, there’s already authority for Miss Garcia to step in and have the authority to operate the daily operations of the town,” Wingo told the council.
Wingo noted that Walls’ retirement, unlike a temporary absence, requires the council to formally appoint an interim manager. The designation will remain in effect until the council selects a permanent town manager or takes further action.
Council Members Voice Support for Garcia
Before the vote, Councilmember Nicole Buccellato thanked Garcia for her willingness to serve again. “Lisa has stepped into this role many times, also while she was IIMC [International Institute of Municipal Clerks] president,” Buccellato said, referring to Garcia’s 2024–2025 term leading the international clerks’ association. Furthermore, she acknowledged the added workload of overseeing two areas of responsibility. Councilmember Sherrie Bedford echoed the appreciation and pledged council backing during the transition.
Bruce Walls Concludes 40-Year Public Service Career
Walls’ departure closes a career of more than 40 years in public service. He arrived in Florence in 2019 as Police Chief, moved into the Interim Town Manager role on April 2, 2024, and was unanimously appointed Town Manager on September 16, 2024. During his time as Town Manager, he supported the development of the Town Council’s new Strategic Plan, advanced key infrastructure improvements, and helped build a leadership team.
“Bruce has been an exceptional leader and a dedicated public servant,” Mayor Keith Eaton said in a May statement covered by Pinal Post. “He provided continuity during a time of transition and helped set a clear direction for the future.”
Fiscal Impact and Continued Deliberations
The fiscal impact of the interim appointment will be addressed in accordance with the town’s adopted budget and applicable personnel or employment provisions. Any compensation or related terms will be handled as directed by the Town Council and in accordance with town policy.
The council later adjourned to executive session for discussion of the town manager position and possible legal advice from the town attorney.
