Georgetown City Council unanimously approved a separation agreement with City Manager Paul Brandenburg at a special meeting Nov. 3.

After 12 years as Georgetowns city manager, Paul Brandenburg will be leaving his position effective immediately to pursue other professional opportunities, Mayor Dale Ross said. The City Council and I thank Paul for his service and accomplishments during his tenure and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Ross said the city will soon begin nationwide search for his replacement.

[We will fill the position] as soon as [it is] practical, he said. These executive level positions typically take a while because you have a lot of vetting to do and a lot of searching to do. Plus, its a government process.

Ross said he anticipates the position will be highly sought after.

Georgetown is one of the most desirable communities in the state of Texas and in Central Texas, he said. I would expect outstanding candidates to apply for this job.

Ross said the decision was a mutual agreement, and the will of the council.

Brandenburgs attorney declined to comment at this time.

City Council also named Jim Briggs as interim city manager, Ross said. Briggs currently serves as assistant city manager and general manager of utilities.

[The position is] interim, and Im not a candidate for the full time job. I love utilities, and thats what Ill go back to, Briggs said. The city has a good staff, and well press on. Well keep things moving. Weve got jobs to do, and were going to still work on the goals and objectives of council."

Brandenburg became the city manager after he was appointed in September 2002.

Paul, he was been a good city manager to work with, and there was a lot of integrity, Briggs said. Its going to be a loss, but well keep moving forward.