Bastrop names new interim manager, attorney

The Bastrop City Council named Marvin Townsend as its new interim city manager Tuesday night, hiring an experienced manager to step into the post briefly held by Police Chief Steve Adcock. Adcock reportedly tangled with Mayor Ken Kesselus over his desire to return to the police department full-time after just two weeks. Townsend served as city manager for Corpus Christi and Laredo for a combined total of 33 years. He then worked for the Texas Municipal League for more than 22 years. In 2012, Townsend received the 55-year service award from the International City/County Management Association, a rare achievement. Townsend started his work in Bastrop on Wednesday. Council also appointed David Bragg to act as the city’s attorney, replacing Jo-Christy Brown, who resigned under pressure last week. Brown and former City Manager Mike Talbot faced significant criticism from some Council members as well as members of the public for the high legal fees the city was paying.