Review Interim City Manager Actions and Restore Transitional Stability

To the Rowlett City Council and Mayor,

We, the undersigned residents of Rowlett, are calling for an immediate review of recent actions taken under Interim City Manager Kristoff Bauer and for stronger limits on interim administrative authority during this transition of city leadership.

Following the recent city council election and prior to the new council taking office in June, several significant personnel decisions have been made that raise serious concerns about timing, scope, and appropriate use of interim authority.

An interim city manager’s role is to maintain stability, preserve continuity, and allow for a smooth transition to newly elected leadership. Major long-term personnel decisions during this period risk undermining that process and the will of voters.

Community Concerns Include:
Major personnel changes during a transitional government period
Termination of long-serving city personnel, including emergency management staff
Key leadership changes within public safety departments occurring immediately after a city election
Actions perceived as extending beyond the intended scope of interim authority
These decisions have created concern among residents and public safety stakeholders about governance stability, transparency, and respect for the incoming elected council.

We respectfully request the City Council:
Immediately review recent personnel and administrative decisions made during the interim period
Pause additional major hiring or termination actions until the new council is seated
Reevaluate the role and authority of the interim city manager
Consider appropriate corrective action, including leadership replacement if necessary
Establish clear guidelines limiting interim administrative authority in future transitions
Our Position
We support our city employees, our fire department, and our emergency management professionals. We are asking for responsible governance that protects institutional stability and respects the democratic transition of elected leadership.

We believe these decisions should be made by permanent leadership accountable to the newly elected City Council, not during an interim period of transition.