Tie Vote Blocks Bid to Put Treasure Island City Manager on Leave

TREASURE ISLAND — A 2-2 tie vote tonight blocked a move to place City Manager Charles Van Zant on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of outside investigations.

Commissioner Chris Clark was absent, leaving the four commissioners in attendance evenly split.

Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Arthur Czyszczon. Both said they no longer have confidence in Van Zant's leadership.

Vasquez said she recently filed a formal grievance against Van Zant, who was hired in July 2025.

"I am doing what I feel I am legally obligated to do as an elected official," Vasquez said, citing uncomfortable interactions and disagreements over city business.

She said she could not discuss some of her concerns because they are the subject of ongoing investigations, the nature of which was unclear.

Commissioner Arden Dickey defended Van Zant, saying he meets with the city manager regularly and hasn't seen any of the issues Vasquez described.

"I've seen no mismanagement of city funds," Dickey said, adding that placing the city manager on leave during hurricane season, while the city is preparing its budget, would be "ridiculous."

Czyszczon said Van Zant has failed to respond to many of his emails, is not involved enough in the community and has been difficult to work with.

Mayor John Doctor sided with Dickey, saying he had not experienced problems working with Van Zant.