Ferris hires Clovia English as interim city manager

FERRIS – During a special called Ferris City Council Executive Session meeting Monday night, Aug. 12, the council approved the hiring of Clovia English as interim city manager.

English, a former city manager for both Lockhart and Corinth, Texas, also has a much needed background in public works, and started her career in Garland as a crime analyst and budget analyst.

But, that was only the first executive session agenda item.

The remaining four items were questions to be asked Ferris Mayor/Acting City Manager Jim Swafford concerning apparent unauthorized actions he has taken recently.

It is reported the actions were taken without being mentioned to, discussed with or approved by the city council or city attorney.

Those actions include employee raises, the hiring of consultants and additional new employees, and the most troubling according to sources – the criminal investigation of a city employee.

Unfortunately, Swafford was unable to attend Monday night’s meeting due to an unplanned illness and scheduled surgery Tuesday morning, Aug. 13. Mayor Pro Tem Tommy Scott filled in for the absent mayor.

No action was taken on those four items, and it is assumed they will be placed again on the agenda for the next scheduled regular city council meeting Monday, Aug. 19.