WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!

New Corpus Christi city manager reshuffles city hall

New City Manager Ron Olson of Corpus Christi recently presented council members with a plan to consolidate seven departments, eliminate 66 jobs and shuffle the duties of assistant city managers. The reorganization reduces the number of city departments from 32 to 25. Olson also appointed Assistant City Manager Rudy Garza to a permanent assistant city manager position, where he will oversee tourism, economic development, building permits and inspections and intergovernmental relations.  Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez will move from overseeing the city budget and utility services to managing public safety and neighborhood services, including police, fire, health, parks and libraries. Assistant City Manager Margie Rose will take over finance and budget duties and continue to manage human resources and the municipal court system. Assistant City Manager Johnny Perales will continue to manage most development services as well as oversee city utilities, public works, engineering ,the Corpus Christi International Airport and capital projects, Olson said.  Olson also said he periodically will shift duties among assistant city managers to ensure each is very familiar with all operations of the city. Some changes will take effect immediately, but no jobs will be eliminated until council members approve a city budget, Olson said.