FAIR OAKS RANCH– The city officially had a change in leadership April 21 as City Council unanimously accepted former City Manager Tobin Maples’ resignation after an hour-and-a-half-long executive session last month.
Assistant City Manager Scott Huizenga was named as Maples’ temporary replacement until a permanent hire was made.
Huizenga started in his role with the city – one which was created by Maples to break up the workload – a little more than a year ago, but Mayor Greg Maxton said he has taken to his new role quickly.
As part of his interim status, Huizenga saw a salary bump to $178,464 and was awarded a monthly $600 car allowance.
The new city leader is set to hold his post for up to six months while officials look for someone to permanently run the show with month-to-month negotiations on the table should council need more time to make a final hire.
According to the Highland Park city website, Maples has already gained a new gig as Town Administrator in the suburban town outside Dallas, but his nearly-seven-year tenure with Fair Oaks left Maxton with nothing but kind words to share.
“During his service as city manager, the city staff of Fair Oaks Ranch has experienced significant accomplishments in maintaining the security of residents, managing the future growth of our city and providing quality essential services,” Maxton said.
In his tenure, Maples oversaw several large projects, including them sot recent updates to the city’s wastewater infrastructure, the expansion of staff offices in city hall and the introduction of video recording and live broadcasting city meetings.
“It was great to work with him. In his seven years as our city manager, I think we made significant accomplishments for the quality of our city,” Maxton said. 'City staff under his leadership has done a phenomenal job.”
While little is known at this time how the city will conduct its search for a new city manager or what criteria will be applied, Maxton noted an agency would be used to pool talent which will be narrowed down before interviews are conducted by council.
While Maples did not respond when contacted for comment, in a statement released by city staff, he said, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve this community over the last seven years. The most significant being that I always tried to perform the duties of the position with humility and integrity. I am so proud of the many successes that council and city staff accomplished as a team of dedicated public servants.”
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