Two-minute impact
Warner was appointed with one dissenting vote from Place 4 City Council member Peter Gordon. He currently serves on the Hutto Ethics Review Commission and was one of 14 applicants who sought the temporary position after the city opened the application process to residents earlier this month.
Warner works full time at Dell and is also involved in business and volunteer work through his church.
He said he has been interested in serving in local government for some time, but had not been able to commit because of time constraints. The interim appointment, he said, allows him the opportunity to serve while balancing his professional responsibilities.
Warner said he does not have a personal agenda and wants to focus on improving outcomes for the community.
“I see this as an opportunity to hear different perspectives and find ways to help the community,” Warner said. “It’s not about me.”
Mayor Mike Snyder and Place 3 City Council member Jim Morris both praised Warner’s civic involvement and familiarity with city operations. Morris said Warner’s volunteer history and willingness to serve demonstrated a level of commitment that stood out during the selection process.
“His volunteer activity and his willingness and commitment to work within the city—it says a lot about people,” Morris said. “They’re willing to put in that extra effort and sacrifice.”
The interim role includes representing residents, participating in policy decisions, approving budgets, and attending public meetings and community engagements during the temporary appointment period.
Meeting highlights
During the meeting, Gordon raised concerns about whether applicants would be given an opportunity to introduce themselves or answer questions publicly. He noted that while 14 residents submitted applications, he was personally familiar with only a few of them.
City officials clarified that under existing protocols, council’s role was limited to accepting nominations and voting, and that interviews were not part of the adopted process.
Gordon said applicants should have been given equal opportunity to speak and apologized to those who attended the meeting expecting to address council before nominations were closed.
Following that discussion, council allowed applicants to speak during public comment.
Three applicants spoke, including former City Council member Amber Lee Kolar, who said she could step into the role immediately due to her prior experience.
The background
The Place 1 seat became vacant following the resignation of former council member Brian Thompson, who stepped down on Dec. 22.
In announcing his resignation, Thompson said he was frustrated that core city operations—including police staffing, utilities, employee cost-of-living adjustments and basic services—were being overshadowed by broader political debates.
