By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
The Princeton City Council voted 6–0 to appoint Police Chief James Waters as interim city manager Monday night, approving the move immediately after returning from a closed executive session on personnel matters.
According to the meeting transcript, the motion was introduced, seconded, and passed without additional comment.
“I’d like to make a motion to appoint Chief Waters as the alternate City Manager for the City of Princeton.”
No explanation of the appointment, its duration, or how the role will function was provided in open session.
Charter Provides Broad Authority
Under Princeton’s Home Rule Charter, the City Council has broad authority over the appointment of a city manager.
Section 4.01 states the city manager “is appointed by and serves at the will of the City Council,” allowing council discretion in selecting leadership.
The charter also allows for temporary arrangements. Section 4.02 provides that an “alternate” may be designated if the city manager is unable to perform their duties, enabling continuity without a full appointment process.
The charter does not specify restrictions on who may serve in that interim capacity.
Manager Role Includes Department Oversight
The charter also defines the scope of the city manager’s responsibilities.
Section 4.03 states the city manager is responsible for exercising control over all departments and personnel. In Princeton’s council-manager system, that structure separates policymaking by elected officials from administrative oversight carried out by the city manager.
The April 27 meeting transcript does not include any discussion of how that oversight structure will function during the interim period.
Ethics Policy Emphasizes Independence and Public Trust
Princeton’s Code of Ethics outlines expectations for city officials, including standards related to conflicts of interest and public confidence.
The policy states officials should avoid not only actual conflicts of interest but also “the appearance of a conflict of interest,” and emphasizes the importance of independent and impartial judgment.
It also requires that actions be taken in the public interest and in a manner that maintains public trust in city governance.
The meeting transcript does not reflect any discussion of these considerations in connection with the appointment.
Context of Growth and Governance
The appointment follows a series of leadership changes in Princeton’s city manager’s office over the past year. Michael Mashburn, who had served as city manager since January 2024, resigned in December 2025 after a period of leave.
Following his departure, the City Council appointed Jeff Jones as alternate city manager. Jones later resigned, leading to the April 27 appointment of Police Chief James Waters.
The transition comes as Princeton continues to experience rapid growth and increasing demands on city services. During the same meeting, public comment reflected concerns about the city’s ability to keep pace with that growth.
The city manager plays a central role in coordinating operations across departments, implementing council policy, and managing growth-related challenges.
Decision and Outstanding Questions
Texas law allows personnel matters to be discussed in executive session, with final action taken in open session. The council’s vote follows that process.
The appointment was made without discussion once council returned to open session.
Council members did not address:
- why the police chief was selected
- whether other candidates were considered
- how long the interim role will last
- or how responsibilities will be structured
Key operational details also were not addressed, including:
- whether the chief will serve in both roles
- how oversight of the police department will be handled
- whether any limitations apply to the interim role
- and when a search for a permanent city manager will begin
A Legal Process With Open Governance Questions
The council’s action appears consistent with the authority granted under the city’s charter. At the same time, the absence of public explanation leaves unanswered questions about how the city will maintain the oversight structure and ethical standards outlined in its governing policies.
As Princeton moves forward under interim leadership, those questions are likely to shape how residents evaluate the city’s transparency and governance during the transition.
Editor’s Note
TX3DNews has reached out to city officials for additional clarification regarding the interim appointment, including role structure, oversight, and timeline. This article will be updated with any response.