Mayor says three department heads resigned; council appoints interim leaders and outlines hiring process

Mayor Drash told the Town Council that, after an investigation into alleged violations of town code and misuse of city property, three department heads were offered the opportunity to resign and sign separation agreements rather than be brought before the council. The mayor said the decision aimed to protect privacy and the integrity of municipal operations and asked residents for patience while the town addresses personnel transitions.

Council members expressed support for the mayor's handling of the matter. Multiple council members said the decision followed deliberation and advice from the city attorney, and one council member said the matter had caused personal stress while another said the process had been thorough.

To maintain operations, council approved immediate interim assignments: Eric Burnside was appointed acting fire chief; Jeannette Huggins was appointed interim city secretary; and the mayor indicated he would act as the interim contact for public works with long-time public works staff continuing day-to-day operations. Mayor Drash described a proposed hiring procedure for permanent department heads: a panel including the mayor, a council member, outside police or fire chiefs, and an internal department representative.

Mayor Drash said filling the emergency management coordinator role was urgent for eligibility for disaster resources and that the interim fire chief appointment addressed that need. Council members asked that the hiring-panel policy be resurfaced and followed; the mayor said the panel approach will be implemented as soon as practicable.

The council took the interim-appointment votes during the meeting (see Votes at a glance). The council later entered executive session under Texas Government Code Sec. 551.071 for attorney consultation; no additional public actions were announced after the session.