Michael Muscarello began his tenure May 27 as the permanent city secretary.
Some context
Following Franklin’s departure in July 2024, Irma Parker served as interim city secretary from August to October under a contracted agreement.
Since then, she has remained available to the city on a project-by-project basis.
Two-minute impact
Muscarello steps into the role at a pivotal time for the city, with a new mayor set to take office after the June 7 runoff election between Ishmael Harris and Willie DeLaRosa, and a new City Council dais following the May 3 elections, which brought Perry Lowe into the Place 1 position, replacing Cheryl Lee.
Notable quote
Bastrop Pride Secretary Dax Havrilak called the appointment a turning point during a May 27 council meeting.
“We have our new city secretary, and by the next City Council meeting, we’ll have our new mayor and a fully established dais—it’s going to be exciting after so long,” Havrilak said.
Community Impact sat down with Muscarello to discuss his priorities, his approach to public service, and what Bastrop residents can expect from the City Secretary’s Office.
How familiar were you with Bastrop before taking this job, and what inspired you to take on the role?
Having visited Bastrop in the past, on vacations and stayovers, my wife, April, and I really grew to love the community quite a bit. When I found out about the opportunity to be a part of a city that keeps the small-town feel but is growing exponentially, it was an attractive situation, and I jumped at the opportunity.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how it led you to public service?
Prior to getting into government, I was in health care management. In 2018, I decided to take a leap into local government and started as an entry-level administrative assistant in Pearland and worked my way up. I got an opportunity in Webster to come in as deputy [city secretary] and within two weeks of accepting that position, the city secretary left, so I walked through the open door and took on that responsibility and was there for five years prior to coming to Bastrop.
What are your top priorities as you settle into the position?
Right now, I’m looking to work collaboratively with our leadership, staff and the residents to kind of build on the existing strengths, address whatever challenges come our way and shape a bright future for the city.
Transparency is a key part of this position. How do you plan to make information more accessible to the public?
Well, council is very transparent, so I plan on carrying over that same transparency with the city secretary's department. I’m looking into posting more information online than what’s out there now. We get a lot of the same questions or a lot of the same requests for public information, so if I can save a citizen a day or two from having to wait on that information, I can be a phone call away or a click through the internet—that would be my goal. I want to make information as readily available as possible, starting with the city website.
What is one thing you’d like Bastrop residents to know?
I’m very excited to become part of the community and get to know the citizens. I’ve met quite a few already—all very, very nice people—and I’m so happy to be here.
