Council member concerned over city transparency, lack of notice regarding personnel changes

Austin City Council member Mackenzie Kelly said she hand-delivered a memo Tuesday to Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, addressing concerns about transparency in personnel changes.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council member Mackenzie Kelly said she hand-delivered a memo Tuesday to Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, addressing concerns about transparency in personnel changes.

Kelly said the memo emphasized a need for open communication and timely notice.

Kelly said during a phone call with Garza, she voiced her dissatisfaction with the process and lack of transparency surrounding the significant personnel changes, especially concerning executive-level positions with salaries exceeding $200,000.

“On behalf of my constituents and the community, I strongly advocate for a more transparent and inclusive approach that allows for timely notification and discussion on matters of substantial importance, particularly those involving high-level personnel changes,” Kelly said in the memo.

The memo followed the announcement of the recent hiring of former police chief Art Acevedo in a new role overseeing and advising the police department.

Acevedo was set to make $271,000 for the new City of Austin position; however, on Tuesday, Acevedo said he would not be taking the job.

Toward the end of the memo, Kelly said she hoped Garza would consider the above-mentioned concerns seriously and work towards enhancing transparency in the decision-making process.