Liberty Hill council approves DRC appointment and names new city secretary

Council members approved two personnel appointments during the meeting: Tara James to the Downtown Revitalization Committee and Beatrice Canseco as Liberty Hill’s city secretary.

Deputy City Manager Brandon introduced Tara James as the DRC nominee. Tara James, who said she and her family moved to Liberty Hill in July and that she previously chaired a Main Street board and owned a children’s boutique, told the council she wants to help balance growth and preservation downtown. Mayor Pro Tem Williams moved to appoint James to fill the Downtown Revitalization Committee vacancy, with a term to expire Oct. 31, 2027; the motion was seconded and carried.

After returning from executive session to discuss personnel, City Manager Thomas introduced Beatrice Canseco, who identified herself as the deputy city secretary for the city of Killeen and outlined her experience overseeing elections administration, supporting council operations and improving intake‑to‑action processes. A council member moved to hire the recommended candidate with a start date of May 4, 2026; the motion was seconded and the council approved the appointment unanimously.

Why it matters: The DRC appointment fills a seat used to advise on downtown design and economic activity; the city secretary role is a statutory municipal post responsible for records, notices and elections administration, and the council emphasized the candidate’s experience in elections and interdepartmental coordination.

What’s next: Tara James will serve on the DRC through Oct. 31, 2027. Beatrice Canseco is expected to begin as city secretary on May 4, 2026.