MARFA — Marfa City Council accepted the resignation of City Secretary Kelly Perez last week. Perez has served as the city secretary since August 2021 and has been filling in as interim city manager on and off since the resignation of Mandy Roane in September 2024.
In her letter of resignation to council, Perez wrote that the past 11 months have “been quite the roller coaster” juggling both jobs. “Even through all the challenges, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed serving my community. Marfa is unique and I hope I left a positive impression on the citizens I’ve been able to serve,” Perez wrote. “The decision to leave the City of Marfa hasn’t been easy. However, I am trusting God’s plan for my life and am ready for my next adventure.”
Perez’s last day with the city will be September 19. She has agreed to be available by phone for 30 days after that to assist with ongoing projects. Perez will be staying in the area and starting a new remote job.
Council members were reluctant to accept her resignation on Thursday of last week, expressing their gratitude for her dedication to the city over the years.
“Thank you so much for stepping up and helping the city these past four years. You’ve really been a go-getter,” Mayor Manny Baeza said. “I really wish you well in your future endeavors. It has meant a lot; you’re going to be missed over here.”
“I’m very sorry that you’re leaving us, but you’re going to be going on to great things,” Council Member Mark Morrison added. “Thank you very much for everything.”
Council did not discuss plans for hiring a city secretary to replace Perez, but the search for the new city manager is still ongoing. There will be a gap between when Perez leaves and when a new city manager can start. Council moved on Thursday to schedule interviews with three city manager candidates.
Last month council assessed the 13 total applicants with a hiring rubric generated by Council Member Travis Acreman, which weighed candidates based on several factors like education and municipal experience — including grants, finance and economic development, human resources, parks, planning and more. Perez said the council was unanimous on their top seven candidates. Of the top seven, three responded to requests for an interview, she said.
Following a council member exchange about focusing on hiring a man for the job — which prompted citizen outrage and concerns over legal liability — the council decided to dissolve a previously formed hiring committee, utilize the hiring rubrics and open the city manager interviews up to the public to witness. The city manager interviews will take place in the context of a special meeting; the public will be able to attend but not comment or speak.