New Dumas city manager settling into his new position

After a year and a half as chief of the Dumas Police Department and more than two months as interim city manager, Ray Resendez said he was still surprised last week when the Dumas City Commission voted unanimously to name him the full-time city manager, replacing Arbie Taylor, who retired earlier this year.  He said going from the police department to the city manager job will be a challenge, but it is a challenge he believes he can meet.

More than 10 experienced candidates submitted applications for the job when the search for a replacement for Taylor began in April.  The commissioners, with help from staffers of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, eventually narrowed the field down to two finalists.  During a special meeting on Wednesday, June 22, they emerged from an executive session and voted unanimously for Resendez.  “It was kind of a surprise.  They were a little tight lipped about it,” said Resendez, who was present at the meeting.  “It came down to the very end of the wire.  I’m honored to have been chosen to serve.  I’m greatly appreciative of the commission, especially being unanimously in support of me.  It meant a lot.”