Assistant City Manager Dusty Brook withdraws from Burkburnett city manager consideration; council to open search

Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director Dusty Brook told the Burkburnett Board of Commissioners he could not accept the city manager position and "respectfully withdraw [his] name from consideration," citing concerns about his health and the demands the role would place on his family.

Brook said he remains committed to the city and will continue in his current support role while assisting with a transition if the council selects a new manager. "I will fully support this council and stand firmly behind your selection for city manager," he said.

The council had recessed to executive session under Texas Government Code §551.074 to discuss appointment and employment matters related to the city manager and assistant city manager. After returning to open session, members said there had been no formal offer for Brook to accept and that his statement amounted to a withdrawal of his candidacy rather than a resignation. Council members directed staff to open a public search for a new city manager and prepare a request for qualifications (RFQ).

A point of order raised during open session prompted members to clarify the procedural status: because Brook had not accepted any offer, the council said there was no formal acceptance or resignation to process. The mayor and other members indicated they would move forward with an RFQ and related recruitment steps.

Next steps: staff will draft the RFQ and return to the council with timelines and options for formal recruitment. No formal appointment or personnel action was taken at the meeting.