Interim Kyle city manager not vying for permanent job

Kyle's interim City Manager James Earp told Community Impact Newspaper on Sept. 19 he will not seek the city manager position on a permanent basis.

Earp, who was named interim city manager Sept. 6 after former City Manager Lanny Lambert was tabbed for the same position in Converse, has been the city's assistant city manager since September 2006 and served a previous stint as interim city manager from April 2010–January 2011.

"I don't intend to put my name in the hat for the position," Earp said. "If the council decided they wanted me to be city manager, that's one thing. But I think I'm better suited and situated where I am in my current role to help the city be successful and help the new city manager be successful."

In addition to his regular salary, Earp will receive a biweekly stipend of $1,385 as interim city manager.

His credentials include a master's degree in public administration from The University of Texas at Arlington and a graduate certificate in environmental management with a focus on sustainable city development from Harvard University, according to the city of Kyle website.

On Sept. 16, Kyle City Council unanimously selected Strategic Government Resources to aid in the search for a new city manager. The firm is slated to receive as much as $27,000 in connection with the search.