Granite Shoals council finalizes city manager

• Novo

Granite Shoals has a new city manager.

Interim City Manager Sarah Novo and council members agreed on a $158,000 annual contract after the council retreated behind closed doors for a 46-minute executive session during their June 25 meeting.

The vote to hire Novo was unanimous.

Council had been getting positive feedback on Novo since she took the post of interim city manager on Feb. 27 following the resignation of Peggy Smith. Mayor Ron Munoz did not say whether that affected the council’s decision.

“We’re very happy with the work she’s been doing,” Muniz told The Highlander after the meeting.

Following standard practice with Texas city managers, Novo serves “at the pleasure of the city council.” Theoretically a majority of the council – three of the five mem - bers – could fire her at any time for no reason.

"It's a difficult job," Munoz said.

As city manager, Novo is the executive officer of the city, over seeing all its depart- ments. She's expected to follow the general direction of the council.

Novo did not imme - diately return voicemail seeking comment about her new position.