Taxpayers could be on the hook if Stuart City Manager Michael Mortell is fired

City of Stuart, WPTV

STUART, Fla. — A Stuart city manager with more than two decades of service to the city faces potential termination after a commissioner unexpectedly called for his resignation during a public meeting this week, and a WPTV investigation finds taxpayers may foot the bill.

WATCH BELOW: 'I applaud Commissioner Reed for taking action,' Robin Cartwright tells WPTV Taxpayers could be on the hook if Stuart city manager is fired

Mike Mortell has spent more than 20 years with the city of Stuart — the last two as city manager. Some residents are calling the move to oust him an ambush.

The shocking moment came during Monday's commission meeting when Commissioner Sean Reed used an agenda item he requested a week prior to discuss Mortell's contract, then instead moved to repla