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Conroe City Council unanimously appointed David Willard as city administrator July 23, moving him from the interim position into the city’s top administrative role.
What happened
Willard will officially become a city employee Aug. 10 with an annual salary of $325,000, Human Resources Director Andre Houser said.
The compensation package includes standard phone and vehicle allowances, contributions to the Texas Municipal Retirement System and the city’s standard sick leave and vacation benefits.
Willard will be an at-will employee without an employment contract or severance agreement.
Willard will not participate in the city’s health plan, although Conroe will reimburse him for an existing supplemental health policy. He will also be eligible for dental and vision benefits.
Houser said the city surveyed its usual benchmark cities and other Texas cities with populations exceeding 50,000. Among the benchmark cities with more than 75,000 residents, the average city manager salary was $322,750.
The city will give Strategic Government Resources—the company that placed Willard in the interim role—two weeks’ notice ending Aug. 7. Conroe will also pay the company a $10,000 finder’s fee for hiring him permanently.
What they’re saying
“Mr. Willard, we want to thank you for stepping forward at a time when the city of Conroe needs direct and clear leadership,” Mayor Duke Coon said. “You bring a vast amount of experience and knowledge, not only a former elected official, but a private business owner and a city manager for many, many years.”
Willard thanked the council and city staff following the vote.
“[I’m] very humbled that you've given me this opportunity, and very excited about it,” Willard said. “I'll do my best to provide the service and leadership to this community that you expect.”
Mayor Pro Tem John Sellars and council members David Hairel, Shana Arthur, Kristin Hoisington and Ken Blevins did not offer individual comments before voting unanimously in favor of the appointment.
How we got here
Council first voted June 25 to authorize Coon and city staff to negotiate with Strategic Government Resources for Willard to serve as interim city administrator.
Willard’s previous experience includes serving as city manager in Longview and Borger, assistant city manager in Odessa and Hutchinson County judge, as previously reported.
The leadership change followed the May 13 retirement of former City Administrator Gary Scott and Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska.
