PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
title
APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH MS. ELYSSE ELDER FOR THE POSITION OF COUNTY ATTORNEY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
On October 21, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) directed the County Administrator to begin contract negotiations with Ms. Elysse Elder for the County Attorney position. A contract has been developed and is being presented to the Board for approval.
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DEPARTMENT: Administration
PREPARED BY: Name: Heather Dayan
Title: Director of Human Resources/Risk Management
REQUESTED BY: Don Donaldson, County Administrator
PRESET:
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
1. Agreement/Contract drafted by: Ms. Elysse Elder and Don Donaldson
2. Parties to the Agreement/Contract: Ms. Elder and Martin County Board of County
Commissioners
3. Purpose of the Agreement/Contract: Employment contract for the County Attorney position
4. New/Renewal/Modification: New
5. Duration: One year with automatic renewals
6. Benefits to Martin County: Sets forth terms and conditions for employment
7. Cost to Martin County: Salary plus benefits which may vary from year to year
At the May 20, 2025, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board approved the appointment of Elysse Elder as Acting County Attorney, effective upon the departure of County Attorney Sarah Woods in July 2025.
On October 21, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) directed the County Administrator to begin contract negotiations with Ms. Elysse Elder for the County Attorney position. A contract has been developed and is being presented to the Board for approval.
ISSUES:
None.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
The County Attorney’s Office reviewed the contract for legal sufficiency.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECOMMENDATION
Move that the Board approve the contract with Ms. Elysse Elder for the County Attorney position, effective October 21, 2025.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
FISCAL IMPACT:
RECOMMENDATION
The 2025 annual salary survey of local government attorneys in the State of Florida on average was $267,052. The salary and benefits are customary and consistent with other County Attorney’s salary and benefits for similar Counties. The salary and benefits are included in the current budget and are consistent with the prior County Attorney and the current County Administrator. The negotiated salary as stated in the attached contract is $255,600.
ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS
None
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
☐Budget Transfer / Amendment ☐ Chair Letter ☐Contract / Agreement
☐Grant / Application ☐Notice ☐Ordinance ☐Resolution
☐Other:
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.