Magnolia City Council moved Jan. 28 to terminate City Administrator Chris Whittaker, approving a resolution declaring a “lack of confidence” and removing him from office effective immediately.
The setup
Council took the action during a special meeting after the executive session to consult with the city attorney on employment matters and to deliberate personnel matters related to the city administrator, according to the meeting agenda.
Before the vote, the council conducted an evaluation discussion in open session at the city administrator’s request. Council members questioned Whittaker about topics including capital improvement priorities and updates on contracts and projects.
The motion to terminate Whittaker’s employment passed 4-0, with council member Geoff Beyers absent.
In a written statement provided by the mayor’s office, city officials said council “regularly evaluates the performance and direction of executive leadership to ensure alignment with the city’s goals, policies, and operational expectations,” and that the decision reflects change in leadership is in the best interest of the organization and the community it serves.
How we got here
Whittaker was appointed to the position during a May 13 Magnolia City Council meeting, as reported by Community Impact.
He replaced interim City Administrator Markus Benoit, who served the city for less than 90 days before being terminated March 28, according to prior reporting. Benoit was appointed by council Feb. 19 to replace Don Doeing, who retired as city administrator in November 2024, as previously reported.
Mayor Matthew “Doc” Dantzer said the city would use the same agency used to find Whittaker, Texas First Group, to find a new interim city administrator.
What’s next
City officials said day-to-day services will continue without interruption. Interim administrative arrangements will be communicated “as appropriate,” and council plans to outline next steps for a leadership transition in the coming days, according to the statement.
