Cape Coral Council Ends City Manager's Contract
The council voted 4-1 to terminate Michael Ilczyszyn's contract, with Maureen Buice named interim city manager.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in People
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The Cape Coral City Council voted four to one to terminate the contract of City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn, effective 11:59 p.m. Monday. Maureen Buice has been named interim city manager.
Why it matters
The decision changes the leadership of city government in Cape Coral, placing an interim manager in charge while the council moves forward. Ilczyszyn will receive a severance package under the terms of the termination.
The council vote was four yea and one nay, with Mayor John Gunter, William E. (Bill) Steinke, Dr. Derrick Donnell and Joe Kilraine voting yes and Laurie Lehmann voting no. No reason for the termination was given during discussion or in the decision.
The players
Michael Ilczyszyn
Michael Ilczyszyn is the former city manager of Cape Coral whose contract the council terminated.
Maureen Buice
Maureen Buice is the interim city manager of Cape Coral named following the termination.
John Gunter
John Gunter is the mayor of Cape Coral and voted in favor of terminating the contract.
The details
Cape Coral City Council voted at a public meeting to end Michael Ilczyszyn's contract as city manager. Council members Keith Long and Rachel Kaduk walked out during discussion but before the vote, and Jennifer Nelson-Lastra left before the topic came up.
Timeline
Monday, 11:59 p.m.: Termination of City Manager Ilczyszyn's contract takes effect.
Leadership Context
The extraction does not provide a named precedent or policy to place this vote against. Further context on the council's direction would require additional reporting.
Residents will see a change in city leadership as Maureen Buice takes over as interim city manager. The timing of any permanent appointment has not been stated.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at the top of city government can shift day-to-day administration quickly, and interim appointments often set the course until a permanent decision is made. Residents can track future council meetings for updates on the search for a permanent manager.
Further reading
For related coverage of leadership changes in the region, see People in our business section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBBH.
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