Hutto hires Earp as new city manager

After a national search, the Hutto City Council has picked a Central Texan as its new city manager.

James Earp, currently the assistant city manager for the city of Kyle, will begin his job in Hutto on Aug. 3. His annual salary will be $240,000, city officials said. Earp, 46, won the Public Administrator of the Year award in 2019 from the American Society of Public Administration, according to a Hutto news release.

Earp has worked 16 years with the city of Kyle, holding various titles including assistant city manager, interim city manager and administrative police chief.

“James has a proven track record of dedication and expertise, with significant experience in land development, financing mechanisms, mentorship and organizational growth,” Hutto Mayor Mike Snyder said in a statement. “Not to mention, he seems to connect and collaborate well with a wide variety of people, which will be important as we take our diverse teams and community to the next level.”

The Hutto City Council chose Earp on July 7.

“Hutto has a rich history and great momentum — not to mention a strong community spirit,” Earp said in the release. “I’m honored to join this incredible community and amazing team. Together, I look forward to building on the city’s strengths as we create the highest quality of life for years to come.”

Earp has a bachelor’s degree in business administration/finance and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Tarleton State University. He also has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

More:Hutto has new interim city manager after previous leader left because of family issues

He was chosen from nearly 50 applicants from several states. The Hutto City Council, using the SGR consulting company, narrowed the field to four finalists including Earp, the release said.

It said the final candidates went on community tours followed by receptions with the community and city staff, culminating in City Council interviews that were open to the public and live-streamed.

Earp will replace Isaac Turner, who has been the interim city manager since January. The town's previous city manager, Warren Hutmacher, left his position in November because he could not commit to moving his family to Texas, city officials have said.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Hutto hires James Earp as new city manager