City Overview and Governance

The City of Somerville, Texas, is a full-service city with a population of approximately 1,300 residents within 3.0 square miles located in Burleson County conveniently located between the City of Brenham and the City of Caldwell, Texas.

The city is seeking to replace its current City Administrator, who is retiring after six years of dedicated servant leadership to the City of Somerville, Texas.

The City of Somerville is a General Law Type A City incorporated in 1913 and celebrated 110 years of the City of Somerville being incorporated. The city borders Lake Somerville which is a popular recreational destination. The City participates in hosting events at Welch Park on Lake Somerville, such as the World Champion Jet Ski Race, the annual motorcycle Crater Rally event, and the City’s 4th of July fireworks show.

The city operates under a mayor-council form of government governed by the Mayor and five City Council Members. The City Administrator is appointed by the City Council to manage the City's daily operations of the city. The city consists of the General Administration, Municipal Court, Public Works and Development Services, and Police Departments. The City Fire and Emergency Services are provided in combination with Somerville Volunteer Fire Department and Burleson County EMS.

The city employs a dedicated staff of 16 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees within a general fund operating budget of $1.4M and an enterprise fund operating budget of $840,000 for water, wastewater, and solid waste services and over $1.5M in Capital Improvement Funds. In addition, the City is currently planning for a future Capital Improvement Program to consider a new City Hall, Drainage, and Utility projects to be funded by grants and potentially a bond referendum.

Position Overview

The City of Somerville seeks a proactive servant leader with experience working in a full-service municipality. This position requires strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide intentional and transparent communication to all city stakeholders. The Administrator must perform related duties and responsibilities as may be presented by the laws of the State of Texas governing Type A General Law Cities. The Administrator coordinates activities among and between city departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative and policy development and implementation support to the City Council.

The ideal candidate will value inter and intrapersonal relationships required to manage the city with high integrity, diplomacy, and self-confidence. The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional who is dedicated to serving the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of the City of Somerville’s policies. A strong commitment to working effectively and efficiently with all members of the organization to deliver a high level of service is essential.

The Administrator is the liaison to the Mayor and City Council, the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, and the Planning and Zoning Board. In addition, the City will create ad hoc citizen committees for community input. Currently, the City has in place an ad-hoc citizen committee to receive input on City infrastructure projects.

Essential Job Functions

• Manages department activities by developing, implementing, and reviewing policies and procedures; preparing short and long-range strategic plans; determining programs, activities, training, and resource needs and planning and implementing the City’s annual budget and Capital Improvement Program.
• Provides Contract Administration for various third-party service vendors such as City Grant Administration, Inspections and Plan Review, Engineering Services, Project Management, Water and Wastewater Operations, Solid Waste Management, Fleet Services, Technology services, etc.
• Acts as the City’s Personnel Director by supervising personnel, evaluating performance; addressing internal and external complaints; taking appropriate disciplinary action; making hiring and firing decisions; and providing leadership for department personnel. Provides training and professional development opportunities for City Staff.
• Acts as the City’s Public Works and Development Services Director by managing the service and utility operations of the city.
• Provides Emergency Management oversight to include recovery reimbursement and grant management.
• Develops and maintains positive public relations by meeting with citizens; making educational presentations to various groups; and communicating with the community leaders and the media.

City Priorities

The city is focused on providing exceptional City services and has identified the following priorities:

• Provide strategic and financial planning models for the Mayor and City Council to evaluate and safeguard financial confidence for future budget priorities.
• Continue the development of a five year capital improvement program to address the City’s infrastructure and facilities needs.
• Continue excellent and responsive customer service and communication.
• Stay abreast of the State of Texas Legislative Sessions and critical mandates.
• Continue to build relationships with Burleson Economic Development Corporation, Burleson County Chamber, and the Brazos Valley Council of Governments Solid Waste Committee.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s in project management, public administration, business, or civil engineering from an accredited college or university is required. In addition, a minimum of 5-7 years of increasing responsibility in local government management or equivalent, and a minimum of 3 years as a department director, assistant city manager/administrator, or city manager/administrator. Active participation in professional government associations and organizations is desired to show a commitment to professional development. The selected candidate must maintain membership in "good standing" with TCMA, and/ or APWA, if applicable. Certified Public Manager (CPM) preferred but will consider experience in lieu of CPM.

Compensation

The City of Somerville offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition, the city participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) at a 5% - 2:1 municipal matching ratio and prior credit service benefit; participates in Social Security; provides for professional development expenses; and offers vacation and sick leave, and an excellent health and dental portfolio.

Residency within the City limits of the City of Somerville is not required. However, the City Administrator is expected to live within a reasonable distance and relocation expenses will be considered.

Recruitment Process

Public Admin Consulting, LLC is assisting in this recruitment. All inquiries regarding this position should be made to Diane K. White at dw@publicadminconsulting.com. In addition, all applicants are required to provide the following via email to dw@publicadminconsulting.com.

• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Five (5) professional references
• Employment Application

The first review is planned for no later than July 1, 2024. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

As a condition of employment, the City of Somerville requires a drug test, criminal background check, credit check, and a pre-employment physical exam all at the City’s expense to ensure the candidate can perform the essential duties outlined in this job posting.

This recruitment incorporates existing rules and regulations that govern public sector recruitments in the State of Texas. In accordance with public disclosure/open record laws, information submitted for consideration may be made available to the public upon request by interested parties.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $82,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person