Norwood declines contract citing personal reasons

Glen Rose Reporter
Story updated March 23, 6 p.m.

GLEN ROSE — On Monday, the Glen Rose City Council voted 3-1 to authorize Mayor Julia Douglas to extend a contract to Steve Norwood to become the new city administrator, however, he did not accept the contract.

“Mr. Norwood has decided to decline the offer of employment, citing personal reasons. We are disappointed in this decision but wish Mr. Norwood the best in his future endeavors,” Douglas said in an email to the Glen Rose Reporter. “As the search for the best possible candidate continues, we will be hiring an interim City Administrator.”

Original story posted Monday, March 20, 2023

GLEN ROSE — The Glen Rose City Council voted 3-1 on Monday night to the hiring of Steve Norwood as the new city administrator. The financial terms of the contract have yet to be released, but he will begin April 3.

Norwood replaces Michael Leamons whose last day on the job was Feb. 17. Leamons received four months severance (around $30,000) upon his departure.  

City councilman Chip Joslin, and councilwomen Kelly Harris and TJ Walker voted in favor of Norwood’s hiring, while councilwoman Dee Conrad opposed, and councilman George Freas, who applied for the position, abstained. 

According to Norwood’s LinkedIn page, he has nearly 30 years in public management in Texas and Arizona, with a strong emphasis on economic development, planning and development, strategic planning and building high performing top-level executive teams.

Norwood was the town manager in Trophy Club (October 2019-May 2021); director of planning and development for the city of Grand Prairie (February 2017-October 2019); chief administrator for El Paso County (January 2015-October 2015); city manager for the city of Round Rock (January 2011-October 2014); city manager for the city of Prescott, Arizona, (January 2003-January 2011); and assistant city manager for the city of North Richland Hills (Oct. 1998-June 2003).