Published: November 03, 2009 12:13 am      

New Caddo Mills city manager eager to start

CADDO MILLS — Incoming City Manager Michael Jump is eager to assume his new duties, and he will have a chance to do so beginning Nov. 16.

The city council unanimously voted to hire Jump, with an annual salary of $55,000 plus a $3,000 car allowance, when it met Oct. 13 — nearly four months of having an interim city manager.

Jump will replace Interim City Manager Ed Locker, who has been in the position since June after Manuel Leal, the former city manager, was placed on administrative leave. In a unanimous decision, Leal’s employment with the city was terminated on Aug. 25.

Jump has been the city manager of Runaway Bay, a city in Wise County similar in size to Caddo Mills, for approximately 3 1/2 years. Jump’s last day in that role is scheduled for Nov. 13.

“I have met with the staff and they seem very professional and capable,” said Jump.

Assuming the role of city manager will provide an opportunity to make improvements in the community, according to Jump.

“I love the community and think it is a great place,” said Jump. “I went to the homecoming football game and was very impressed with the community and their support for the school.”

However, it might take some time to get acclimated to the new position.

“Each town is different,” said Jump. “There will be a learning curve and we’ll have to look at some budget issues and try to get some of the other departments operating more efficiently.”