BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — It's true that many folks in Boca Raton cannot relate to the struggles faced by everyday, working class people. Boca Raton city employees know this all to well.
"Boca Raton ranks as one of Florida’s wealthiest cities, with a median income nearing $100,000 and average home prices above $600,000.", as laid out in a report by the SEIU Florida Public Services Union (FPSU).
On September 29th, 2025, Boca Raton officially welcomed Mark Sohaney as its new city manager, placing him squarely at the helm of nearly 1,800 employees across eight departments. The timing is sensitive as SEIU Florida Public Services Union tells Boca Post about employee mistreatment.
A Union Speaks Up
In August, SEIU FPSU released a report titled “Boca Raton Workforce Struggles” that lifts the veil on the city’s internal labor dynamics. The workers who care for parks and buildings and collect trash and maintain infrastructure do not receive the bonus payments which white-collar staff members get as part of their compensation. The union claims frontline workers experience discrimination through their lower starting wages and restricted career growth and absence of participation in workplace decisions.
Here’s a distilled list of what SEIU is demanding, straight from their “WORKERS’ DEMANDS: A Path Forward” section:
The compensation should match the skill level of the workers and the expenses associated with living in Boca.
- The bonus distribution process needs to operate based on fairness principles which prevent management from obtaining bonuses that no other employee can access.
- Respect and dignity — end the “out of sight, out of mind” treatment from supervisors.
- The organization needs to create career advancement systems which provide equal opportunities for advancement through both work duration and performance-based evaluation.
- Improved benefits that match those offered to other city employees.
- More paid time off to acknowledge the physical demands of manual jobs.
- Workers should have direct participation in decision-making processes regarding budgets and scheduling and policy development.
SEIU frames these not as radical asks but as the basics of fairness for people they say “keep Boca Raton beautiful.” (The union also represents city workers in several Florida municipalities.
New Manager, Old Problems?
Sohaney steps into the role having never run a city government before. His military experience includes naval command positions and infrastructure management and strategic planning roles at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam and Naval Air Station Key West.
Council members backing his appointment said they sought fresh perspective after decades under longtime manager George S. Brown (who will now serve during a transition period as “Manager Emeritus”).
Sohaney has already made changes to the organizational chart by moving Utilities under Deputy City Manager/Chief Financial Officer James Zervis for better infrastructure management.
He says his priorities will include communication, transparency, and engagement — including with the city’s workforce.
The SEIU has the opportunity to use this as a rhetorical opening.
The appointment of a new C-suite executive does not automatically solve all current organizational problems. Boca Raton faces three major challenges: population growth, downtown development controversies and police station bond proposals and state-level property tax revenue threats.
The organization struggles to fulfill its labor needs because it operates with restricted financial capabilities.
Watchful Eyes, Quiet Pressure
The SEIU issued a specific warning which serves as an actual threat rather than a vague or symbolic message. The union presented its list of demands to the city but needs confirmation about the municipal authorities' willingness to address these issues. The essential factor will be Sohaney's willingness to incorporate union demands for worker participation in decision-making processes which numerous present employees believe they have lacked for an extended period.
Staff members at City Hall reported through internal reports that higher-ranking officials displayed signs of discomfort according to City Hall staff members. A newly empowered union creates disruption to bureaucratic systems which have grown used to passive acceptance. The way Sohaney handles this first challenge will determine the course of his leadership.
The maintenance yard workers completed their shift by storing their equipment yet their tired appearance from their worn-out gloves and exhausted hands revealed their fatigue. They were finishing their day under the same moon that watches all of Boca. The signs of change would appear easily through basic actions such as an apology and a salary increase and an offer to discuss matters. The lack of recognition for these small gestures will create growing feelings of resentment.
The blue-collar workers of Boca Raton view this present time as a critical juncture because of the new city manager. The beginning of Sohaney's term will determine if he will take action against discrimination or maintain the current status of inaction.
Learn more about the SEIU Florida Public Services Union (FPSU).
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