Argyle picks new town manager

The Argyle Town Council narrowly approved the hiring of a new Town Manager at their meeting on Tuesday.

Council members voted 3-2 to extend an offer to Charles West, who currently serves as Community Development Director/Fire Marshal for the City of Lindale, TX.

Joey Hasty, Joan Delashaw and David Wintermute voted for West and Bonny Haynes and Peggy Krueger were opposed to the appointment, citing his lack of experience.

“He is a very mice man, very likeable, but the other candidate clearly had more experience in the position,” said Haynes.

West is expected to start by the end of November.

Argyle’s Town Manager staff position is currently vacant following the Aug. 28 firing of Interim Town Manager Rod Hogan.

Hogan was hired after former five-year veteran Town Manager Lyle Dresher retired on March 26.

The council also voted 3-2 along the same lines to appoint Mayor Matt Smith as Interim Town Manager.  Smith will not receive a salary with his new responsibilities.

Haynes said that she is seeking an opinion from the Texas Attorney General on Smith’s appointment.

Personnel issues were discussed at the meeting concerning Town Secretary, Codi Delcambre, and Finance Director, Kim Collins, but no action was taken by council.