Odessa council appoints Aaron Smith as city manager, effective Dec. 1, 2025

The Odessa City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Nov. 25 appointing Aaron Smith as the city’s next city manager, effective Dec. 1, 2025. The council also authorized the mayor to execute the employment agreement and directed the city secretary to post the agreement on the city website.

Mayor Hendrick said the council conducted an extensive selection process earlier in the year and that the appointment follows an internal-only search. The motion to appoint Smith was moved and seconded on the floor and carried with all members voting in favor.

Council members and staff thanked interim and acting managers for their work during the recruitment process and for continuity in city operations. The mayor said Aaron Smith will provide additional staffing updates, including deputy city manager appointments, at a later date.

The council’s action was procedural: it adopted the resolution authorizing the employment agreement and posting requirements. The resolution includes an employment agreement “incorporated into the resolution” for legal effect, and the mayor was authorized to sign on the city’s behalf. The meeting record shows no dissent or abstentions on the appointment.

Next steps noted by the mayor include public posting of the signed agreement and a future announcement about deputy city manager assignments.