Marrero chosen as new Cleburne city manager

Cleburne Times-Review
By Matt Smith msmith@trcle.com
December 12, 2023

Former Odessa City Manager Michael Marrero has been named Cleburne’s new city manager following a nationwide search.

Marrero, who will assume his new duties on Jan. 16, replaces current City Manager Steve Polasek who has decided to retire after several years on the job.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosed to serve the city of Cleburne and its residents,” Marrero said following the announcement of his hiring. “I look forward to getting to know the citizens of this great community and being involved with local community groups to continue to improve the quality of life for our residents.”

Marrero brings 29 years of municipal government experience to the table, having served the city of Odessa in various positions since 1994.

As city manager, Merrero oversaw about 1,000 employees representing 40 city departments.

Merrero initially worked as director of Community Development and Neighborhood Development Services for Odessa where he and his staff oversaw the administration and oversight of multiple programs funded by grants and programs, among those a variety of affordable housing programs.

Merrero subsequently served as Odessa’s deputy city manager overseeing several city departments. Among others, those included: public works, utilities, community development, code enforcement, Keep Odessa Beautiful, building inspections, planning and zoning and municipal courts.

A West Texas native, Merrero was named city manager of Odessa in 2018.

Merrero earned a degree in political science from the University of Texas Permian Basin and a masters degree in public administration from Sul Ross State University.

He received the 2010 Community Statesmen Award in Government, the 2021 Friends of the Arts Award and Odessa LINKS Leadership Award among other recognitions.

Merrero brings also a history of non-profit and charitable work.

He has served on Odessa Christmas in April, Project Blue Print, Leadership Odessa, the Tri-Ethnic Committee for the Ector County ISD, Odessa Homeless Coalition, Main Street Odessa, Habitat for Humanity of Odessa, Odessa LINKS, Saaritan Counseling Center of West Texas, United Way of Odessa and Family Health Clinic.

Marrero also served as Region 2 President of the Texas City Manager’s Association and holds membership in the International City Manager’s Association.

Cleburne’s sense of community,” Marrero said, attracted him to the city and played into his decision to apply for the city manager position.

“What drew me to Cleburne was how well my own priorities and principles aligned with those of the city,” Marrero said. “The commitment to maintain a strong sense of community among residents, a priority to provide great quality of life, and the dedication to continue to foster a thriving economy are all priorities I feel strongly about.”

Learning more about Cleburne only increased his interest in the city, Marrero added.

“After meeting and speaking with the mayor and council, I knew Cleburne was the perfect fit for me to continue to serve in a place that I can easily call home.”

Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain called Marrero’s extensive experience in multiple aspects of local government impressive and went on to call Marrero the best fit and best next leader for Cleburne.

“We’re continually striving to be the city by which others measure success,” Cain said. “Michael Marrero understands that vision and is ready to lead the way to make Cleburne even greater than it is, and we’re going to do that by finding ways to always get better.”

Marrero spoke also of the challenge and importance of preserving Cleburne’s history while advancing its future.

“I am thrilled and honored to embark on this exciting journey as the next city manager of this vibrant and welcoming community of Cleburne,” Marrero said. “The opportunity to contribute to the growth and prosperity of this city is truly exciting.”

Marrero spoke of future hopes as well.

“I am committed to bringing my passion, expertise and dedication to this role,” Marrero said. “And I am confident that together with the city staff, council and residents, we will accomplish great things for the city of Cleburne. I look forward to being an integral part of what makes Cleburne a city by which others measure success.”