Waxahachie council appoints Ricky Boyd as city manager

The Waxahachie City Council voted to appoint Ricky Boyd as city manager during a special meeting reconvened after an executive session, Mayor Billy Wallace announced. Councilman Adkins moved to appoint Boyd effective immediately and to authorize the mayor and city attorney to negotiate mutually agreeable contractual terms; the motion carried.

The appointment followed an executive session the council said was permitted under the Texas Government Code for consultation with the city attorney and personnel matters. The meeting reconvened in open session at 6:17 p.m., when council members completed the formal action.

Mayor Billy Wallace praised Boyd’s recent leadership, saying the city had seen notable improvements under his direction. "What we've witnessed the last 6 months with Ricky Boyd's leadership has been nothing short of amazing," Wallace said, citing improved morale among staff and prompt responses to community concerns.

Councilman Chris Wright and Mayor Pro Tem Suiter offered congratulations during a brief round of comments. "First, congratulations, Ricky. You've been doing a great job since you've been in the position," Councilman Chris Wright said. Mayor Pro Tem Suiter said he had "the utmost faith in your performance" and thanked Boyd for his service over the prior months.

Councilman Smith defended the council's vetting process and said members had remained steadfast amid public criticism. Smith said the council had reviewed finalists carefully and expressed confidence in the choice.

Boyd addressed the council and attendees, thanking members for their support. "I really appreciate this, the faith that you have in me to lead this organization. I never saw this coming in my life," he said, and thanked his family for their support.

Wallace summarized the selection process, saying officials solicited public input by survey, posted the job on more than 100 municipal job websites through the Texas Municipal League, and narrowed about 47 applications to three finalists. He thanked the other finalists—Clyde Millich and Yasmin Barnes—and city staff for participating in the process.

The council adjourned after remarks and planned to take photographs following the meeting.

Actions recorded at the meeting: the council approved the appointment of Ricky Boyd as city manager, effective immediately; the mayor and city attorney were authorized to negotiate contract terms. The motion as stated at the meeting was: "I move to appoint Ricky Boyd as city manager effective immediately and authorize the mayor and city attorney to negotiate mutually agreeable contractual terms." The meeting did not record a roll-call vote tally in the public minutes; the presiding officer announced the motion carried.