With a vote of 3 to 2, Teague Aldermen last week approved the separation of the positions of City Secretary and City Administrator, which for the past five years have been jointly held by Theresa Bell.
Further, motions were subsequently approved to establish the City Secretary as a part-time position with a salary of $25,000; and the City Administrator’s full-time salary at $45,000 annually to a bid basis not to exceed $65,000.
This puts the City Administrator position on par with the salaries of Department Heads, as explained by Teague Mayor David Huffman during discussion at the January 9, 2023 Teague Council meeting.
Following a closed, executive session that included personnel matters involving officer/employee Theresa Bell, a motion was put forth to appoint Bell as City Administrator.
This motion failed with a vote of 3 to 2.
The vote tally followed in line with the previous motions, splitting Aldermen Garland Steed, Lois Mims, and Jamie Cotton West voting “no” and Aldermen Rhonda Jones and Ryan Mathison voting “yes.”
“Moving forward, the city will look for a city administrator but not with the authority the previous administrator had as currently,” clarified Mayor Huffman when interviewed on Monday.
All department heads now report directly to the Mayor and Aldermen, along with hiring and firing, as approved during last month’s Council meeting held December 12, 2022.
“The city’s new structure was requested by department heads back in November and rightly so,” said Mayor Huffman.
The Mayor also stated, contrary to other news reports, that Bell still retains her position as City Secretary.
In other business, a letter of resignation was read from Municipal Judge Deborah Hamilton, who had been appointed just last month.
Shirley Mays was nominated to take her place, with the motion approved by Alderman, again with a vote of 3 to 2.
Also approved was the changing of legal counsel for the City of Teague to Borjorquez Law Firm, effective February 1, 2023.
Before adjoining, several citizens addressed Aldermen regarding their actions affecting the employment of Theresa Bell. Each spoke in support of the now former City Administrator.
At least one citizen referenced the upcoming municipal elections as an opportunity for fellow citizens to make clear their discontent.
An emotional Bell also addressed Alderman, listing the many projects and improvements that she had spearheaded during her nine-year tenure as a City employee.
“This is a community I have proudly served,” she said.
Teague Aldermen meet the second Monday of each month.
To view meeting agendas, visit online at www.cityofteaguetx.com
Candidate filings open this Wednesday, January 18, 2023 for City Council elections.
Up for election this cycle will be three Aldermen positions: Place 2 held by Rhonda Jones, Place 4 held by newly appointed Jamie Cotton West, and Place 5 held by Ryan Mathison.
