Michael Mitchell named as new city manager

Yoakum City Council officials have hired a new city manager. Michael Mitchell will begin his term as City Manager on July 8. He was born and raised in Jersey Village just outside Houston. He spent 11 years serving on a school board in the city of Goldthwaite between Abilene and Austin. He has also been the assistant city manager in that same city.

Mitchell has some history with Yoakum, having two best friends who live in the area.

“I started going to Yoakum about eight years ago and the very first time I was there, I fell in love with that city,” Mitchell said. “I would go just as often as I could. When this job opportunity came open, I had known for a long time that I was going to move to Yoakum. I interviewed for this job and by the grace of God almighty, He decided I was ready for it.”

Mitchell believes the people of Yoakum are wonderful.

“Because I’m in a small town, I’ve outgrown big cities long ago,” Mithcell said. “That was another reason I fell in love with Yoakum. The people here are awesome, down to Earth, rock-solid people and that’s the kind of community I want to live in and serve in.”

One of the goals Mitchell has as city manager is to keep an open and conducive relationship with the people and business owners.

“I want to recognize that the group of people that are here is doing a fantastic job,” Mitchell said. “I want to come in and solve problems together with our city officials. I also want to be able to find ways to raise revenue and I’m not talking about through taxes. I want people to come and visit and have Yoakum be on the map. I want us (in the city) to grow and prosper.”

Mitchell believes he will bring a different perspective compared to the last couple of city managers.

“I want to bounce ideas off the team that I will be working with,” Mitchell said. “I want to hear the new ideas from our city officials. I want us to collaborate with each other."

Mitchell is excited to meet more of his crew in the city as well as the people of Yoakum.

“I want to start meeting as many people in the city that I can, especially our business owners,” Mitchell said. “I want to see our business owners thrive, especially the ‘mom and pop’ shops and I want to do everything I can to help their business.”

Mayor Carl O’ Neill said that council is ready for new direction.

“Council is excited about the new city manager coming on board,” O’ Neill said. “We are looking forward to seeing his direction and are willing to work with him to implement and positive programs for the City of Yoakum.”