Rusk Residents Want Answers as Concerns Mount Over Interim City Manager

RUSK, Texas (TXAN 24) — Frustration is growing among some Rusk residents over the performance of Interim City Manager Victoria Minton and what citizens describe as a lack of action from the Rusk City Council.

Minton was appointed interim city manager several months ago and is the fourth person to serve in the city manager role in Rusk, Texas in approximately 10 years.

Following a five-hour long city council meeting, one longtime resident told TXAN 24 News of the community’s concerns about Minton’s leadership and the council’s response.

At least 12 residents say they have attended Rusk City Council meetings for years, and following the latest meeting, they also expressed similar concerns.

Among the issues raised are:

• Alleged employee promotions without council approval

• Raises being provided to employees while the city faces significant financial challenges

• Concerns about professionalism

• Claims that Minton works from home more frequently than she works at City Hall.

TXAN 24 News has not independently verified these allegations.

Several residents also expressed frustration that, following approximately five hours of discussion, the council took no reprimand or corrective action regarding the concerns surrounding the interim city manager.

The criticism comes as the current council has emphasized transparency and representing the interests of Rusk residents.

“The city manager is running the council, the council is not running her,” the resident told TXAN 24 News.

TXAN 24 News is seeking to independently verify the concerns through public records, council minutes, personnel actions and interviews with city officials and residents.

Minton and members of the Rusk City Council will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and concerns raised by residents.

For some Rusk residents, the issue is becoming larger than one city manager. They say the repeated turnover in city management over the past decade and continued disputes over leadership raise broader questions about accountability and oversight at City Hall.