Jared Miller will take over as the city manager of San Marcos on Jan. 6. Miller will replace current city manager Jim Nuse, whose last day is Jan. 3.

Miller formerly held the assistant city manager position in North Richland Hills, a city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In his previous role, Miller oversaw state and federal grants, water acquisition, a bond task force and more.

"I'm really excited for the opportunity," Miller said. "I think a number of factors went into why the council chose me, and there were a number of great candidatesI think things they liked about me were my experience in the Metroplex where we have to take a regional approach to things, lots of connections with the districts, the counties and the colleges in the area."

Mayor Daniel Guerrero said council was very pleased with the selection and the entire interview process.

"I think what it came down to was that we got five very talented, incredibly qualified candidates. I think in any interview and especially one of this magnitude, it comes down to fit. Organizational fit and community fit. Mr. Miller, beyond the qualifications and talent he has, he has demonstrated that fit to the council."

Miller will be in charge of a staff that currently includes 603 people as well as a $166.7-million annual budget.

Miller was selected from a pool of five finalists for the position. Melissa Millecam, director of communication for the city of San Marcos, said the original pool of applicants included 54 people.

The city hosted a meet and greet between residents and the five finalists on Dec. 9 and city council conducted interviews with each candidate on Dec. 10.

Miller said the timing of his acceptance of the new position is right for his family. Miller and his wife Kristin have two sons. Garrett, age 13, and Grant age 10, will start high school and junior high, respectively, next year.

"I'm drinking from a fire hose right now," Miller said. "Staff have provided me with a lot of very good information and I'm trying to absorb as much of it as I can before I get there so I can at least hit the ground moving. If not running, at least moving."