Finance Director Resigns After Controversial Audit Clash in Marco Island

Marco Island, Florida, USA - On July 9, 2025, Marco Island’s finance director, Guillermo “Gil” Polanco, resigned following a heated exchange with City Council Chairman Erik Brechnitz over the recent audit of the city’s finances. Despite popular opinion favoring Polanco’s track record, tensions escalated during a council meeting where the audit findings were discussed, indicating material weaknesses and deficiencies in internal controls as assessed by independent auditors CliftonLarsonAllen.

The disagreement stemmed primarily from differing interpretations of the audit’s outcome. While Polanco maintained that the audit was „clean,“ Brechnitz countered that it was not, marking a notable discord for the council. This public spat reached its peak with Brechnitz introducing an unexpected motion to fire City Manager Mike McNees, shocking both McNees and other council members. McNees, caught off guard, admitted he was uninformed about the audit’s online presence prior to the scheduled presentation on August 4.

Audit Concerns and Leadership Changes

Polanco’s resignation was confirmed shortly after the unusual council meeting, effective immediately on July 8. City Manager Mike McNees shared the news via email, noting that an interim finance director would be appointed as the city searches for a permanent replacement. The timing of Polanco’s exit is particularly concerning given the ongoing discussions about financial reporting issues highlighted by the most recent audit, which scrutinized the city’s fiscal year 2024 finances referencing the period from October 1 to September 30.

Other council members, including Councilman Rene Champagne, echoed frustrations over the lack of communication surrounding the audit. Brechnitz discovered the issues on his own while searching for the audit report online, a revelation that has left several members feeling blindsided by the lack of transparency. The audit unveiled complications in accounting related to state and federal grants that Marco Island received, along with issues concerning unserviceable generators.

Following the resignation, fellow council member Bonita Schwan criticized Brechnitz for allegedly misrepresenting Polanco’s performance and causing an unnecessary ambush that compromised both Polanco and McNees. Schwan’s remarks underline the escalating tensions within the council, raising questions about leadership stability in the wake of Polanco’s exit. McNees took a moment to appreciate Polanco’s contributions to the city, emphasizing that essential city services impacted by the finance department would continue as normal.

Next Steps for Marco Island

Looking ahead, a special city council meeting is scheduled for July 14, where the audit presentation by CliftonLarsonAllen will take place. In addition, the Council is contemplating holding an emergency meeting to better address the concerns detailed in the audit before the next budget workshop on July 21. As the city navigates through these turbulent waters, the push for clarity and accountability becomes more pressing than ever.

In the wake of these developments, residents on Marco Island hope for a swift resolution. With Polanco’s resignation—an abrupt shift in the city’s financial leadership—local officials and citizens alike are left to ponder the implications for the future governance and management of their beloved community.

To read more on this developing story, visit Naples News and Coastal Breeze News.