The San Jacinto River Authority has named a Lubbock water utilities director as its new general manager after the former manager announced his resignation in May.
Aubrey Spear was named the new general manager Nov. 15 and will start his postilion for the agency in January, according to a release by the agency.
Spear previously served 16 years as Lubbock’s water utilities director, the release states.
On YourCourierNews.com: New Conroe hotel’s operating budget is $682K in the red for this year, latest financial forecast shows
“I am excited to join the dedicated team at SJRA,” Spear said in a written statement. “I look forward to collaborating with key stakeholders including employees, customers, and elected officials to determine major areas of focus for the Authority moving forward. I am passionate about implementing the river authority’s vision to provide reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable water resource management that supports the significant growth in the region while earning the trust and confidence of our customers and community.”
Spear has also served on multiple water boards, including the Lubbock Water Advisory Commission, Canadian River Municipal Water Authority and High Plains Underground Water Conservation District, the release states. He also served as the chairperson of the Region O Water Panning group and on the executive committee of the Upper Brazos Regional Flood Planning group.
San Jacinto River Authority Board President Ronnie Anderson said Spear’s prior experience made him a good fit as general manager for the agency.
“After a thorough search, the SJRA Board of Directors is proud to welcome Aubrey to SJRA,” Anderson said in a written statement. “Aubrey’s extensive experience in water utility management, water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and stakeholder relationships make him a great fit for our team.”
Spear’s appointment comes after former General Manager Jace Houston resigned in response to calls for his removal.
During the 88th Texas Legislature’s regular session, state Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, added an amendment to a sunset bill in the Legislature, which called for Houston’s removal.
Houston resigned before the legislation passed the House and Senate after his announcement, ending his 16 year tenure with the agency.
On YourCourierNews.com: Montgomery County residents remember late Justice of the Peace Lanny Moriarty as fair, caring judge
“You can see the pain and the expressions on the staff as all this has happened,” Mark Micheletti, the agency’s treasurer said during a June meeting. “You can tell how Jace has been loved by the staff, which I think says a whole lot of him as a person. I can assure you it hurts the board members.”
Metcalf said in a previous story his amendment wasn’t about Houston, but about the issues in Montgomery County. He said issues related to the river authority’s surface water treatment plant on Lake Conroe and fees remain a top concern for residents. There has been ongoing litigation with the river authority over contracts related to the countywide groundwater reduction plan for more than 7 years, he said.
