New City Manager Reports To Work
By Randal Brewer
Staff Writer
New city manager Jim Stephens reported for work on Wednesday, and interim manager Bob Brockman eagerly handed him the keys.
"I’m proud of the things we’ve gotten done," Brockman said, "And I’ve enjoyed the people, but I’m retired and I’m looking forward to staying that way."
Brockman took the position on February 15, and can point to a number of accomplishments in the 90-plus days of his service.
"Taking a no-exceptions stance on payment of water bills has been important," Brockman said. "It has helped the city’s cash flow improve."
Brockman also cites requiring the manager’s approval of purchases over $500 as helping with the city’s finances.
Other accomplishments during Brockman’s time in the city manager’s office include sidewalk repairs on Commerce St., the codification of city ordinances and employee policies, and strides in enforcing building codes.
"Three or four houses have been torn down," Brockman explained. "Everyone has been very cooperative in our effort to clean up the city."
Along those lines, Brockman made sure the city took the lead in the cleanup effort.
"I’m especially proud of the remodel that has been done on city hall. I don’t think you can ask the citizens to clean up their property if the city is unwilling to do the same."
"I hope the city is a little better off than when I came," Brockman said. "I think the people of Wills Point should know the quality of people that is part of the city staff. One of the things I wanted to accomplish was to improve employee morale, and I think we’ve done that, and I know that the office will be left in good hands with Jim Stephens."
Brockman spent his last day giving the new city manager a tour of the city’s facilities, and Stephens came armed with a list of priorities for the coming year.
"We met with the staff this morning," Stephens said. "The little bit that I’ve been able to visit with them, I believe there is a tremendous staff in place.
"I went over some of the goals I have for the first year, and I look forward to communicating those to the community.
"I really believe in working with the community and volunteer organizations, because we all have different talents and things we do well. If we’re networking together, we can put those talents and passions to work and accomplish a great deal."