Auburndale Gets Application from Alleged Criminal City Manager After Separating with Prior City Manager Following Sexual Assault
Editor's Notes: The headline was changed to remove the word "fired" as Jeffrey Tillman left his employment under a separation agreement, not a formal firing, and it was re-worded to reflect the separation agreement reportedly being suggested by Tillman.
AUBURNDALE, POLK COUNTY - High Springs City Manager Jeremy Marshall is one of three finalists to become the new city manager of Auburndale.
Marshall’s Case:
Marshall has a criminal case in North Carolina for allegedly filing a worthless check and it remains pending today. Marshall was issued a summons but it was never served.
If the City of Auburndale hires Marshall, it won’t be the first time they have an alleged criminal as city manager.
Tillman’s Case:
Jeffrey Tillman left his position as city manager of Auburndale roughly ten days after prosecutors formally filed a count of misdemeanor battery against him, stemming from a December 2024 incident where he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old waitress at a bar.
The victim told police that Tillman put his arms around her waist and pulled her towards him without consent, and then kissed her forehead. Tillman reportedly admitted to doing wrong, saying he went "too far.”
Instead of condemning the former city manager, Auburndale Mayor Dorothea Taylor Bogert referred to the sexual assault as a “personal issue” that occurred during Tillman’s “personal time.”
Auburndale city commissioners approved a separation agreement with Tillman and gave him a severance package of roughly $156,000.
Tillman was drunk at the time of the offense.
Tillman is pleading not guilty and has a pretrial conference scheduled for March 12.
Marshall’s Application:
Editor's Notes: The cover letter states it was written in January 2025, but this appears to be a typo, as Tillman didn't leave his position until October 2025.
In January, 2026, High Springs City Manager Jeremy Marshall submitted a job application to become the city manager of Auburndale.
Auburndale is relatively small compared to a city like Gainesville, but still much larger than High Springs in population.
The application states Marshall claimed veterans’ employment preference as he served in the army from 1998 to 2008. Marshall’s resume indicates he ended his military career as an Army platoon sergeant in Fort Bragg, NC, and previously served as a Marines corporal in Camp Lejeune, NC.
Marshall’s application shows he concluded his military career in December 2008, six months after his alleged crime.
Marshall lists three associates of High Springs as references: City Attorney Danielle Adams, City Clerk Angela Stone and Commissioner Katherine Weitz.
Marshall wrote a letter to the City of Auburndale explaining why he believes he should be selected:
“Dear Members of the Search Committee,
I am writing to express my strong interest in the City Manager position for the City of Auburndale. With extensive experience leading full-service municipal organizations, a proven record of stabilizing operations and strengthening organizational culture, and a deep commitment to ethical, community-centered governance, I am energized by the opportunity to serve a city entering a generational period of growth and transformation.
As City Manager of High Springs, Florida, I oversee a full-service municipality, direct multimillion-dollar budgets, manage capital improvement programs, and lead cross-departmental teams in delivering high-impact public services. My work has required balancing long-range planning with day-to-day operational demands, guiding land-use and infrastructure initiatives, and fostering collaborative relationships with elected officials, regional partners, and state and federal agencies. These experiences align closely with Auburndale's need for a City Manager who can provide clear direction, stability, and inspired leadership.
My background in capital project delivery, organizational leadership, and evidence-based policy positions me to support the City's continued progress. I have successfully led teams through periods of rapid change, strengthened internal culture through mentorship and empowerment, and championed transparent, data-driven decision-making to ensure public trust and fiscal stewardship.
Auburndale's emphasis on relationship-building, ethical leadership, and long-term commitment resonates deeply with my professional values. I believe effective city management begins with listening, engaging authentically, and building durable partnerships across the community. My leadership style is grounded in emotional intelligence, resilience, and a people-first mindset; qualities that the City has identified as essential for its next City Manager.
I would welcome the opportunity to bring my experience, energy, and dedication to Auburndale and to support the City's vision for its next chapter. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background and leadership approach align with the needs of your organization.”
Marshall’s resume states he has a “proven history of successfully collaborating with administrators, the public, and key stakeholders.”
The resume states that as a city manager in High Springs, Marshall “oversaw a $12 million sewer capacity expansion project” and “ensured compliance with Florida statutes, municipal regulations, and utility operating standards.”
The sewer project has become infamous because officials missed a nearly $1 million bill that was over two years old. Marshall did not blame any specific individuals, and attributed the problem to their software not tracking revenue and having multiple items on the same purchase order. However, here on his application for Auburndale, Marshall says he “oversaw” the project, “supporting growth and improving system performance.”
Marshall lists multimillion dollar budget management as one of his areas of expertise.
GnvInfo made contact with a reporter from the Lakeland Ledger who advised that the candidates were interviewed on Wednesday but Auburndale commissioners delayed making a final decision until Monday. He said comments from the commissioners indicate they are going to choose one of the other candidates, not Marshall.
