The Texas Municipal League has confirmed that David Rutledge, currently Mayor of Bridge City, is now also acting as the city’s interim City Manager. This development follows the recent resignation of Christopher Baker, who had held the position for just seven months.
The Bridge City City Council convened on August 20 for a meeting that included a closed-door executive session to discuss matters related to the “employment, evaluation, separation, supervision, discipline, and duties of the City Manager,” as outlined in the meeting agenda. Under the Texas Open Meetings Act, public bodies can discuss personnel issues privately; however, any formal decisions must be made publicly.
Mayor Rutledge has not responded to requests for comments regarding Baker’s resignation or the circumstances leading up to it. Baker, who began his role in January on a two-year contract, had been brought in to provide stability to the city’s administration. At the time of his hiring, Mayor Rutledge had indicated that the city council favored a longer contract term to encourage continuity.
The Texas Municipal League’s recommended contract terms for city managers allow for a “unilateral severance,” enabling either party to terminate the agreement. Standard provisions also suggest a severance package, typically negotiated to include a set period of salary continuation.
Mayor Rutledge, who has served as president of the Texas Municipal League in recent years, is well-versed in municipal governance and city management practices. His leadership role in the statewide organization underscores his deep involvement in local government affairs.
Christopher Baker’s departure marks another change in the city manager position for Bridge City. After only a year, his predecessor left to accept a higher-paying city management role in a larger city. Before these transitions, Bridge City had benefited from the long-term service of Jerry Jones, who served as city manager for 15 years after being promoted to public works director.
Baker, a native of Mobile, Alabama, holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the University of Texas at Arlington. His professional background includes municipal planning and development roles in Texas, Alabama, and Arizona. His resignation comes at a critical time, as Bridge City is finalizing its budget and tax rate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, which begins on October 1.
The Bridge City City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5, 2024, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
