Foulds was sworn in as mayor after running unopposed for the position this spring. That created a one-year vacancy for his former position, city council Place 3.
With options to either leave the position vacant, hold a special election or appoint someone to the position for the remainder of the term, City Council unanimously appointed Purcell to the seat, bringing the former mayor back to the table for a year.
Foulds nominated Purcell, who said he would continue to serve in order to see the city through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. During the first two months of the pandemic, Purcell has been the one in communication with county and state officials about ongoing changes and state orders.
“I did have mayor retirement plans before COVID-19 showed up, but I have told Bill that I would like to hang around and help get us though this thing that hit during my administration,” Purcell told Community Impact Newspaper last week. “Bill has been helping me but I'd like to stay around and help us get through that. You never want to leave a city in a crisis.”
Also at the meeting, April Harris Allison was sworn into council for the first time after running unopposed in the spring, replacing retiring Council Member John Kroll, who has served the city for the past nine years.
“I have enjoyed serving you all and the city of Dripping Springs and have no intention in stopping,” Kroll said May 12. “[Dripping Springs] is our home. We are going to be here a long time and I’ll always be here to help you.”
Council Member Wade King was also sworn into office for another term after an unopposed spring election.
Council Member Taline Manassian, whose term ends in 2021, was unanimously appointed as the council’s mayor pro tem for the next year.
