Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council confirms Chief Deputy Billy Watts as interim police chief
Summary
After an executive session on personnel, the Balch Springs City Council voted to confirm Chief Deputy Billy Watts as interim police chief to serve during Chief Hurley’s absence, citing statutory authority under Texas law.
The Balch Springs City Council on June 8 confirmed Chief Deputy Billy Watts as interim police chief after a closed executive session on personnel.
Councilmember Hill moved "to confirm the appointment of Chief Deputy Billy Watts as interim police chief pursuant to the section 143.013 of the Texas Local Government Code to serve during the absence of Chief Hurley," and the motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Salah. The motion passed on a voice vote after brief comments from council members in support.
Mayor Pro Tem Salah said he has known Watts “for a few years now” and expressed confidence in his ability to step into the role. Councilmember Gabriel urged the council to support an officer who had not been charged or prosecuted and framed the confirmation as an opportunity to restore public trust. The council did not discuss the underlying personnel matter in open session, as the item was handled during executive session under Texas Government Code Chapter 551.
