Missouri City — The Missouri City Council on Jan. 6 voted unanimously to amend Chapter 2 of the city code and establish a Department of Internal Services to provide day-to-day oversight of fleet and facility operations.

City Manager Angel Jones told the council that an internal assessment and an external review recommended creating a separate department for oversight of fleet and facilities, rather than leaving those functions scattered across divisions. "It was determined ... it would be better to have a department to provide the day-to-day oversight over this area," Jones said during the item presentation.

Mayor Pro Tem Brown Marshall and other councilmembers asked how the new department will be staffed and where the director will report. Jones said the divisions for fleet and facilities already exist and are fully staffed; the new department will primarily establish a dedicated director position to lead those divisions. The director will report to either a deputy city manager or an assistant city manager, Jones said. The city indicated it will consider internal candidates and perform an external search if necessary.

Councilmembers said they expect the department to increase efficiency, responsiveness and cost management, citing aging facilities and the need for preventive maintenance. "Aside from increased efficiency and effectiveness ... it would also increase responsiveness by having someone responsible for day-to-day," Jones said.

The ordinance — described in the meeting as an amendment to Chapter 2 of the Missouri City Code to establish the Department of Internal Services — was approved following a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Brown Marshall, seconded by Councilmember Riley. The vote was unanimous.