Homestead Council terminates city manager Jerry Estrada

On the evening of February 13th, during a special call meeting, the Homestead Council agreed to terminate City Manager Jerry Estrada. He had served the City for 31 years. Mayor Steven Losner had led the effort to remove Estrada and set up the call meeting 91 days after the swearing in of two new elected council members.

During the meeting, Losner said it was a solemn time and that he did not enjoy terminating Estrada. He believed it was time for him to go. The city charter requires a new council to work with the existing city manager for at least 90 days. Estrada will hold the title of city manager until March 31.

Council member Larry Roth wanted to conduct a national search for a new city manager. He had wanted Estrada to remain. Council member Erica Avila wanted Estrada to stay but said it might be good for him to leave rather than work in a toxic environment. Estrada said he was disappointed that he was being terminated. The Council did give Estrada a standing ovation.

Losner essentially selected Dr. Nzeribe Ihekwaba, a deputy city manager, to replace Estrada. He has served as assistant city manager and public works director for Miami. He has a background in engineering.

Ihekwaba gave a presentation on his goals for the city and promised to lead an effort to improve the city. So far, three senior level Homestead administrators have resigned from their positions. They include Julio Brea, director of public works, assistant city manager Vivian Manach and building inspector Linda Blanco.

It is important to note that Dr. Nzeribe Ihekwaba, the pending incoming city manager, is still with Miami and has not given his notice. Also, a contract has yet to be negotiated between him and the city. As of now, Estrada is still working as Homestead city manager and will hold this title until March 31st, 2024. Also, there was no national search for a new city manager as is the case for most high-level government positions.

Mayor Steven Losner, who has led the effort to terminate Estrada said he did not want a lengthy search that would take a few months. He believes that Ihekwaba is very well qualified for the job. “I think he is better connected and will have better access to funding sources. He has more personal connections with county commissioners and high level employees at the county to help navigate issues. He will be able to identify federal money that we have not availed ourselves of. He has a background in public works.

Council member Erica Avila said she “respected Estrada’s work but did not want him to work in a toxic environment.” Council member Jenifer Bailey said she believed that Estrada had done a good job for the city. She thanked him and wished him luck. Vice Mayor Sean Fletcher said that the decision is not personal. He believed that excellence was not being achieved in Homestead and the citizens voted for change. He said that one day he would want to have a drink with Estrada. He was disappointed that some administrators left. He said it is time to move Homestead forward in the right direction.

During the meeting, Estrada said he was disappointed with the council’s decision. He knew it would be a risk, but also believed it was an opportunity to do good for the city and employees. He called it an honor and a privilege to lead the city. He said the staff is amazing and performs admirably. He encouraged the council to meet with and work with the staff. Then, Losner along with the council members and audience all stood and gave him a standing ovation.