Joyce Marie Taylor
Suwannee Democrat
Live Oak —
The town of White Springs has just announced the hiring of their new town manager, former Live Oak city administrator Bob Farley, who began his first day on the job Wednesday, Jan. 2.
“We are fortunate to have Mr. Farley join our community as our new town manager,” said White Springs Mayor Helen Miller. “Mr. Farley brings a wealth of experience in municipal government and a network of expertise in a wide range of fields critical to effective town administration.”

Farley was let go as city administrator of Live Oak in early October by a 3-2 vote of the Live Oak City Council.
Bob Farley was born in White Plains, N.Y. and earned his Associate in Applied Science from the State University of New York at Delhi. He moved to Florida in 1971 after working in Philadelphia, Pa. for the Penn Central Railroad.
According to a press release from the town of White Springs, Farley has about 44 years experience, including working in the civil engineering field of water and wastewater design and construction, and serving as operations director for a telecommunication (cellular) design and construction company. Most recently Farley also worked as public works director for the city of Live Oak.
During his tenure in Live Oak, Farley was named City Administrator/Manager of the Year in 2010 by the Florida Rural Water Association. He has completed all necessary National Incident Management System (NIMS) as required by FEMA/Homeland Security for Command & General Staff – Complex Incidents. Additionally, he has completed classes in budgeting and ethics given by the Florida League of Cities.
Farley, Miller stated, has spoken throughout the state regarding how small cities can improve their water and wastewater systems through DEP/SRF low interest programs. The city of Live Oak was able to upgrade their wastewater treatment plant, which cost $16 million. Two million of that cost was passed on to the citizens of Live Oak.
Farley is married to Charlotte and they have four daughters, Gina, Crystal, Angela and Shay.
