Council forms committee addressing marshal vacancy

A committee consisting of five members was formed last week to review and address the 11 applications submitted for Bandera City Marshal.

In review of the City Marshal vacancy at the Bandera City Council’s December 21 special meeting, City Administrator William Cox told the council he submitted RFPs for executive recruiting services to fill the open position.

Cox explained that after contacting a handful of recruiting agencies commonly used in the area, several did not respond, one declined service and another offered only interim services.

According to Cox, Public Safety Solutions still has an original agreement to enter into with the city.

Despite the low return of resources, Cox said his office has seen a strong turnout for the position of City Marshal.

“We have 11 applications. And we have a solid rubrics that’s been vetted across common departments,” Cox said.

Cox then asked the council if they wanted him to move forward with the RFP process or if they wanted to review the applicants. Council agreed to proceed with the vetting of the current applicants.

Councilman Tony Battle suggested a special committee be chosen for the task.

After discussion and consideration of a balanced panel, the council agreed on five individuals to be on the committee that will review the applications, go through the scoring rubrics and meet with the applicants.

The five people on the special committee are Councilman Jerry Russe, Councilman Jeff Flowers, County Attorney Janna Lindig, local businesswoman Cindy Coffey and Interim Marshal Rusty Pancoast.

Both Lindig and Coffey, who were present in the attending audience, agreed to be on the committee.

City Attorney Dan Santee said the two will need to complete forms to join. He also verified Lindig’s appointment would not present a conflict of interest.

The council’s next regular meeting is Jan. 3, 2023.