Mayor Keith Bell and Interim City Manager Chaise Cary are planning a Town Hall Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, to discuss the leadership changes within the City of La Marque. Citizens are encouraged to attend in person, join the conversation via Zoom or watch the live stream on YouTube.
“It is important to have a firm foundation during changing times,” said Mayor Bell. “The swift action taken by Mr. Cary in the aftermath of recent events will bring a sense of familiarity as well as continued productivity to our community. Understanding the urgency this season has brought, we applaud the dedicated and deliberate moves made to bring calm and stability to our city staff and residents.”
Thursday, July 1, 2021
On Thursday, July 1, 2021, a separation agreement was reached between La Marque City Council and City Manager Charles “Tink” Jackson.
Chaise Cary was named is Interim City Manager by La Marque City Council. Before his appointment as Interim City Manager, Cary served as the Director of Public Works. He started as Assistant Public Works Director in 2013 and was promoted to Director in February of 2019.
Cary has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Houston Bauer College of Business. He completed the Texas Certified Public Manager Program earlier this year.
The appointment of an Interim Public Works Director is pending.
Derra Purnell, Director of Legal & Development Services, resigned effective Thursday, July 1. Robert E. Booth, the Managing Partner from Mills Shirley LLP in Galveston, has been named Interim City Attorney. The appointment of an Interim Development Services Director is pending.
Friday, July 2, 2021
Assistant City Managers David Jordan and Charlene Warren resigned effective Friday, July 2, 2021. There are no plans to fill these positions at this time.
Fire Chief Todd Weidman resigned effective July 2, 2021. Captain David Merryman has been appointed as Interim Fire Chief.
Police Chief Kirk Jackson announced his retirement last month but changed his effective date from July 30, 2021, to July 2, 2021. Lieutenant Chad Waggoner has been named Interim Police Chief.
Appointment of an Interim Assistant to the City Manager is pending, which will be responsible for administrative support in the Office of the City Manager, including responding to citizen inquires.
Forward Together
Interim City Manager Chaise Cary would like to ensure the citizens of La Marque that there will be no reduction in city services and ask for your patience during this time of transition.
“Our commitment to the people of La Marque is stronger today than yesterday,” said Cary. “We are moving forward, focused on the future and the long-term prosperity of La Marque.”
For emergencies, dial 911. To report a concern, please visit concern.cityoflamarque.org. To report after hours utility emergencies, such as a broken water main, report to LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269.
City of La Marque non-emergency offices are closed Monday, July 5, 2021, in observance of 4th of July.