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Eunice council appoints Police Chief Danny Garrett as interim city manager after contentious pay debate
Summary
The Eunice City Council on April 27 approved appointing Police Chief Danny Garrett as interim city manager amid debate over a $3,750 monthly incentive and transition timing; the motion passed 5–2 with councilors agreeing the incentive would not take effect until the current manager's last day.
The Eunice City Council voted April 27 to appoint Police Chief Danny Garrett as interim city manager effective April 27, 2026, with the term extending through June 30, 2027. The motion passed on a 5–2 roll call after councilors debated an additional monthly incentive tied to the interim assignment.
Garrett, who will remain responsible for police operations during the transition, told the council he was prepared to take on the role regardless of compensation: "the money does not matter and will go with what they decide," he said during the meeting. Council discussion focused on continuity at the police department, training and certification needs for city administration, and whether offering extra pay for interim assignments is appropriate.
City Manager Shannon Cummins, who will retire June 30, 2026, outlined a transition plan and training that includes procurement and federal grant certifications. Councilors raised concerns about the timeline for Garrett to obtain required certifications. Mayor John Dean Davis recommended the incentive not go into effect until Cummins' final day; councilors agreed to delay the incentive start to protect continuity during the overlap.
Opponents of the extra pay argued the city should not routinely add compensation for municipal employees who assume additional duties. Councilor Steve Almager said he supported Garrett’s appointment but not the incentive. Supporters, including Councilor Erica Jones, said an incentive recognizes the additional responsibilities and helps recruit leaders willing to take on interim roles.
Roll call on the employment agreement (presented in the meeting record as a resolution item) recorded Ty Chanley, Edward Charo, Gustavo Castaneda, Sheryl Allen and Erica Jones as voting yes; Curtis Rouse and Steve Almager voted no. The council's vote carried the appointment by majority.
The council directed staff to proceed with transition steps including procurement access and certification scheduling. Garrett said he will accept the interim duties and will continue to supervise the police department during the transition. The council did not specify an exact incentive start date beyond deferral until Cummins' final day; the agreement as read into the record described a monthly incentive increase that council debated during the meeting.
The council's action takes effect immediately; Cummins remains in place through June 30, 2026, and staff said they will schedule required training and certifications for the interim manager in the weeks ahead.
