Rowlett council terminates City Manager David Hall and appoints Christoph Bowers as interim

The Rowlett City Council voted on Feb. 27 to terminate the employment contract of City Manager David Hall without cause and to appoint Christoph Bowers as interim city manager effective immediately.

Mayor (acting as presiding officer) moved to terminate the contract and later moved to appoint Christoph Bowers as interim city manager; council then voted and the mayor announced, “That item carries unanimously.” The mayor also thanked Hall and said, “Mr. Hall, thank you for your service. We appreciate your time with the city.” The council said it will hold a public town hall as part of a process to rebuild trust and to outline next steps.

Council invoked Texas Government Code section 551.071 to obtain confidential legal advice and section 551.074 for personnel deliberations before reconvening in open session to act. The mayor said the decision followed extensive public comment and deliberation and emphasized a desire for greater transparency and staff retention measures going forward. The council also said it intends to work with the interim manager on a plan for community engagement and staff retention.

The motion to appoint the interim manager passed unanimously; the termination motion was presented and the council moved immediately to appoint an interim leader. The council did not read a roll-call vote tally into the public transcript; the public record in open session indicates the appointment passed and that the mayor characterized the overall decision as difficult and carefully considered.

Authorities referenced in the meeting record include Texas Government Code sections 551.071 and 551.074. The council announced it will schedule a town hall meeting to explain next steps and to solicit input on rebuilding trust with staff and residents.