Wichita Falls council appoints James McKechnie as interim city manager, effective Nov. 6

The Wichita Falls City Council on Oct. 28, 2024, voted to appoint James McKechnie as interim city manager effective Nov. 6, 2024, and authorized the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with the appointee.

The action followed an executive session held earlier under Government Code section 551.074. Council returned to open session at 11:15 a.m.; Speaker 1 stated that the matters on the certified agenda were deliberated in executive session and that no votes or further action were taken while in executive session.

During the open session, Speaker 3 introduced Item 4, described as a resolution to appoint an interim city manager and to authorize the mayor to sign a professional services agreement. Speaker 2 moved “to appoint James McKechnie as interim city manager for City Wichita Falls, effective on November 6, 2024, and will, on said date, replace the current acting city manager.” Speaker 1 seconded the motion.

Speaker 1 read the resolution language authorizing the appointment and the agreement. The council adopted the resolution by voice vote after Speaker 1 called for the question; Speaker 1 then said, “That motion passes.” The transcript records only voice responses of “aye” and does not record any opposing votes or a roll-call tally.

Speaker 1 congratulated the appointee, noted the council had several outstanding candidates, and, finding no further business, adjourned the meeting.

Note on name spelling: the transcript uses two spellings for the appointee ("James McKechnie" in the motion and a different spelling later). This article uses the spelling used when the motion was offered; the transcript contains the alternate rendering.