Palestine City Manager Finalist Withdraws Application

PALESTINE – The search for a Palestine city manager may be back to square one. Kevin Coleman, who was named last month as the lone finalist for the position, has withdrawn his application for the job. He said he took the action because of the city council’s decision to table action on a previously agreed upon employment contract. The city council will decide its next course of action at an upcoming meeting. No date for the meeting has been set.

Coleman said in a statement sent to the city council, “I believe the best decision on my part is to continue to serve the city of Yoakum to the best of my ability. My hope is that the council in Palestine will take the time they need to decide what they want in their next city manager. Should they invite me back at some point for future consideration, I will consider it based on what is best for my family, the dynamics of the community at the time, and the needs of Yoakum.”

In a news releases Wednesday, Palestine Mayor Bob Herrington said, ” I certainly understand his decision and wish him well in his continued employment with the City of Yoakum. Our council will take up discussions at a later date as to how to proceed.”

Coleman and two other finalists interviewed with city officials October 18th and 19th. They were among the 40 applications from 17 states that were received for the post. The search was conducted by Strategic Government Resources of Keller, a government executive search firm.

Coleman has more than 13 years of local government experience, with eight years of city management experience, and more than nine years of nonprofit experience. He previously served as the Director of Development Services for the City of Kerrville, the Executive Director and Director of Construction for Abilene Habitat for Humanity and the City Manager for Dewey, Oklahoma. Coleman holds a bachelor of science in business administration and a master of arts in public administration from the University of Kansas.