Willow Park council schedules follow-up interviews and a citizen meet-and-greet for city manager finalists

The Willow Park City Council recessed into an executive session under the Texas Government Code on personnel matters to interview city manager candidates and discussed naming three finalists for additional interviews and a public meet-and-greet, council leaders said.

“I am hopeful that we will select three finalists tonight and that we will have the opportunity to hold a meet and greet with our finalists at a future date to include our citizens in this important process,” the Chair said, announcing the council’s intent to narrow the field and arrange opportunities for public engagement.

The Chair cited the Texas Government Code, chapter 551, subchapter D, and specifically referenced section 551.0744 to justify the recess into executive session for personnel-related deliberations. The council recessed into executive session at 6:04 p.m. and reconvened in open session at 9:14 p.m.

When the council returned to the dais, the Chair asked whether there was a motion to select the three finalists and call a meet-and-greet. A council member said there was no motion required and the council discussed the plan in general terms: the three finalists will be invited back for another interview, and the council is targeting a mid‑February date for a meet-and-greet with residents. The Chair said the date will be announced once it is set.

The meeting opened a public comment period but recorded no speakers. With no further business, a council member moved to adjourn; the transcript records a second and the Chair closed the meeting after a voice vote.

Next steps: council staff said they will schedule and announce the follow-up interviews and the public meet-and-greet once dates are confirmed.