The Sebastian City Council is approaching a pivotal decision regarding the city’s legal leadership, with a significant financial proposal on the table. At the upcoming meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, council members will evaluate a contract that would appoint longtime legal adviser Jim Stokes as the interim city attorney at a rate of $16,500 per month.
This decision follows a special meeting held earlier this month on Jan. 7, where the council opted to table the hiring process to allow the human resources department time to negotiate terms with Stokes. The proposed agreement positions Stokes as an independent contractor rather than a direct employee, a distinction that carries specific financial implications for the city.
Details of the Proposed Interim Contract
Under the terms submitted for council review, Stokes would commence his duties on Feb. 1. The flat monthly fee of $16,500 covers general legal services, but notably, the structure of the deal means the city is not responsible for employee benefits or severance packages.
The contract outlines specific availability requirements and duties for the interim attorney:
- Office Hours: Stokes would be required to maintain office hours at least three days a week, totaling a minimum of 30 hours.
- Availability: The role demands 24/7 availability for urgent matters.
- Scope of Work: Duties include advising on land use, employment issues, and real estate; drafting ordinances and contracts; and representing the city in hearings and meetings.
- Coordination: Absences must be coordinated with the city manager to ensure coverage during critical council sessions.
While the monthly fee covers standard operations, the contract allows for additional compensation for complex litigation or discretionary bonuses, with annual raises potentially tied to other charter officers.
Evaluating the Competition
While the immediate focus is on the interim contract with Stokes, the council is also reviewing applications from two other qualified candidates who were interviewed earlier in January: John J. Anastasio and Manny Anon Jr.
City officials have recommended that the council weigh Stokes’ proposal directly alongside the qualifications of these two candidates before issuing final guidance.
John J. Anastasio brings over four decades of experience in local government law. His background is extensive, covering environmental law, code enforcement, and labor relations. Anastasio has previously served as counsel for the St. Lucie Fire District and has a history of working within municipal attorney offices in New Jersey. His resume highlights a strong track record in litigation, including successful defenses against public records suits and experience as a special prosecutor.
Manny Anon Jr. is a familiar face to the local government, having previously served as the Sebastian City Attorney from February 2020 to March 2023. His municipal experience extends to serving as the city attorney for Melbourne and holding senior legal roles in Port St. Lucie. Anon brings a background in labor and employment law, honed during a long tenure as deputy general counsel for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.
Next Steps for the Council
The city is currently navigating a period of significant municipal needs, requiring robust legal support for ongoing environmental and election law issues.
City officials recommend the council evaluate Stokes’ proposal alongside the other candidates and issue guidance to staff on next steps.
Residents interested in the outcome of this hiring process and the allocation of city funds can attend the meeting at City Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m.
