After eight years as city manager for the City of Brownwood and over four decades in public service, Bobby Rountree officially retired on Tuesday. A reception was held in his honor at the Depot Civic and Cultural Center with a host of dignitaries and officials, along with lifelong friends and co-workers.
Rountree was honored with presentations from State Representative Jim Keffer, who brought a resolution, and from Senator Troy Fraser’s representative Blake Woodall, who brought a flag which was flown in Rountree’s honor on March 2, Texas Independence Day. Former State Representative Bob Turner and former Brownwood Mayor Bert Massey spoke with remembrances and well wishes for Rountree.Mayor Stephen Haynes talked about how Rountree always found a way to trim the city’s budget. “We appreciate your conservative nature, the fact that you kept us out of the red all those years. I’ve told a lot of people this and I’ll tell you … that I don’t listen to a lot of people, I tend to set out on my own course, but I did listen to you. I listened to you because you were a trustworthy adviser and I appreciate your leadership and all that you do.”
Keffer stated that Rountree has so many good attributes and that his leadership will be missed. He outlined the many accomplishments Rountree helped the city complete during his term as city manager which include the repaving of Fisk Street, the renovation of the airport, and the construction of the Bert V. Masey Sports Complex, the Central Fire Station, the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center, and the Aquatic Center.
“In 2007, Mr. Rountree became city manager to Brownwood and his leadership in this office has been instrumental in the city’s growth and progress during his tenure,” stated Keffer.
Former Brownwood Mayor Bert Massey stated that he had five city managers serve during his tenure as mayor. “I am grateful for all that Bobby has done, I am grateful for his leadership, and more importantly I am grateful for his friendship.”
Mayor Haynes stated that he appreciated Rountree’s endurance as city manager. He explained that Rountree learned much from his predecessors and that one of the greatest things he appreciated about Rountree is his willingness to pass along some of that information.
“We were very fortunate to hire Emily (Crawford) as a replacement because she was able to have worked for Bobby these last two or three years and that he had passed along much of that great information to her. That’s going to be very valuable for a smooth transition for her and for Brownwood. Thank you for all of your attributes but also for being a great teacher,” Haynes said.
City Manager Emily Crawford thanked everyone for making it “very clear it would be hard to fill Rountree’s shoes.” She presented Rountree with a video of many of the city’s staff with comments in honor of his retirement.
Pictured above are Bobby Rountree and his wife Jana enjoying comments made during his retirement party. Below are more photos of the event.
A pair of boots for a cake to wish Rountree a happy retirement.
State Representative Jim Keffer congratulates Rountree.
Blake Woodall, representative of Senator Troy Fraser’s office, presents Rountree with a flag flown over the state capital.
Rountree reads a message of encouragement that once hung in one of his mentor’s offices, then his own office, and presents it to Emily Crawford, as she takes over his position as city manager.
