During Tuesday's Amarillo City Council meeting, City Manager Grayson Path presented a resolution to restructure the city management in anticipation of the upcoming retirement of Floyd Hartman, the city's longtime utility expert and key department head. Hartman, who currently oversees utilities, airport operations, capital projects, and community development, plans to retire in January 2026.
Path emphasized Hartman’s invaluable experience in the utility sector, calling him a "walking encyclopedia on utility matters." He noted that the city's ongoing large-scale utility projects, including the construction of the new wastewater treatment plant on Hollywood Road and city-wide pipe replacements for the Lead and Copper Rule, will benefit from Hartman’s expertise in the years leading up to his retirement.
Key Changes in the Proposed Restructure
The proposed changes are comprehensive and designed to streamline the leadership structure while balancing the city’s various responsibilities. The following shifts are expected:
Floyd Hartman will retain oversight of the Utilities Department but will step away from his other duties, which will be redistributed across other city officials. As a result, Hartman’s remaining time in office will be spent focusing on the area where he has the most expertise, ensuring a smooth transition before his retirement.
Donny Hooper, who currently serves as Managing Director of Public Works, will be promoted to Assistant City Manager. Hooper’s new role will include not only the continued oversight of Public Works but also leadership over Capital Projects & Development, an area that was previously under Hartman’s purview. Additionally, Hooper will assume responsibility for Environmental Health, the City Marshall, Building Safety, and Facilities—all of which have been managed by Deputy City Manager Andrew Freeman.
Laura Storrs, currently an Assistant City Manager, will take over the Public Health and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs from Assistant City Manager Rich Gagnon. Storrs, who has extensive experience in public health administration, is seen as a strong fit to oversee these programs, which serve vulnerable populations in Amarillo.
Rich Gagnon will be reassigned to take over Community Development and the City Airport, which had previously been managed by Hartman. These responsibilities are crucial to the continued economic development and growth of the city, especially as Amarillo seeks to expand its infrastructure and attract new businesses and tourism.
Andrew Freeman, who serves as the Deputy City Manager, will be responsible for Municipal Court and Animal Management & Welfare—areas that are currently managed by Storrs. Freeman’s background in managing complex city departments positions him to take on these important functions as part of the larger restructuring effort.
Alan Harder, who currently serves as Assistant Public Works Director under Hooper, will be promoted to Public Works Director. Harder has been with the city for over 20 years and has played a critical role in the management of public infrastructure projects.
City Council members unanimously approved the resolution to reorganize the city management with the motion passing without objection.
The reorganization is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Amarillo’s management team and ensure the successful completion of vital infrastructure projects, particularly in the utility sector. City leaders remain optimistic that the structural changes will provide the necessary support for continued growth and improvement in Amarillo's public services in the years ahead.
0 Comments