City Manager Marc Ott has announced major changes to the city’s management structure, including elevation of Assistant City Manager Mike McDonald to Deputy City Manager. All of the changes, according to a memo Ott sent to Mayor and Council on Tuesday, are effective Jan. 1.
McDonald has acted as Ott’s deputy for quite some time, so the elevation is more a recognition of how the manager’s office actually operates than a big change. Ott wrote, “Mike has been functioning in this role informally for some time and this move helps clarify his role.” The public safety departments will continue to report to McDonald. He also gains Code Compliance.
One change that may catch the eye of those watching city management is the positioning of Assistant City Manager Robert Goode as a liaison for Austin Energy, whose General Manager has always reported directly to the city manager.
In addition, the Chief Financial Officer will now report to Assistant City Manager Rudy Garza instead of directly to the city manager. Ott explained the need for Garza’s guidance as longtime CFO Leslie Browder retires in January. Garza, who has a strong background in city financial matters, will oversee all of Financial Services, including the Budget Office, Controller’s Office, Purchasing and Treasury.
Also, longtime Ethics Officer John Steiner is being replaced by Assistant City Manager Lee Crawford as the Integrity Office becomes part of the City Attorney’s Office. According to the memo, Steiner will focus on “other issues for the Law Department.”