After days of public outcry, the Kyle city manager has declined the city’s offer to move into what would have been a $560,000 city-owned home.

The plan, which City Manager Scott Sellers called “well-intentioned and financially sound” in a statement issued Friday morning during a special called City Council meeting, was intended to be an innovative contractual option, Sellers said. The money used to purchase the house would have been taken out of the general fund, and Sellers would have taken a pay cut in exchange for moving his family into the home.

“Over the past several days, it has become evident that the housing arrangement, while financially sound, is not politically wise,” Sellers said. “While the council was doing the right thing, this is too divisive, and we all want to do the right thing for the community.”

Further contract negotiations will take place “in a more traditional fashion,” he said.

Following Sellers' statement, City Council proceeded to vote 5-0 against an item to approve an agreement to purchase a new home located in the Cypress Forest subdivision. District 5 Council Member Damon Fogley was out of town while District 2 Council Member Becky Selbera was absent for medical reasons.

“I am heartbroken that this process, intended to be for the good of the city, has caused so much angst and contention amongst its citizens,” Sellers said. “It is still my goal to be the long-term city manager in one of the best cities in the world.”