COPPELL – Retiring Coppell City Manager Jim Witt was honored on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the Coppell Town Hall for his service to the community. 

The special meeting was held to recognize Witt’s service to Coppell and also to swear in the new city manager, Clay Phillips. 

U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX-24) and several other elected officials, including Coppell Mayor Doug Stover and city council officials, were on hand to recognize Witt. 

Prior to the swearing in ceremony, Rep. Marchant made a special presentation to Mr. Witt with a Congressional Record to pay tribute to Witt’s nearly two decades worth of public service to Coppell.  The Congressional Record consisted of a framed version of the entry’s text which was presented on the U.S. House Floor by Marchant.

“Jim has served the City of Coppell with great distinction and he has proven time and again that citizens can truly make a difference in the lives of others,” said Marchant.  “Jim has played a critical role in the evolution of Coppell during his fifteen years of service, and I join the community in thanking him for his service and wishing him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Witt served as the City Manager of Coppell from 1993 until 2008.  During his tenure, Witt oversaw a population increase of roughly 19,000, the City staff increase from 178 to 365, and the City budget grow from roughly $15 million to approximately $81 million.  Witt played an instrumental role in many community projects, including the establishment of the Justice Center, three fire stations, a Fire Administration building, a Service Center, the William T. Cozby Public Library, an Aquatics and Recreation Center and a Municipal Cemetery.  These are just a few of the community cornerstones that Witt contributed his guidance to.

Prior to serving as City Manager of Coppell, Witt was City Manager of Dodge City, Kansas for seven years.  Witt began his career in Dodge City before leaving to enter the private planning and development consulting.  Witt returned to public administration in 1985 as Assistant City Manager of Liberal, Kansas.

Witt’s successor, Clay Phillips, is a lifelong Coppell resident who has served as deputy city manager for over a decade.

###

Congressman Marchant thanks retiring City Manager Jim Witt for his service