Meet the City Workers: City Secretary Tim Houston

Since Sept. 1, 2016, Tim Houston has been working for the city of Olney as the city secretary, which is an appointed position executed by the city council. He said, “I’ve always had a passion for public service.”

Small-town life is not a new concept to Houston who grew up in a small town called Pecan Gap, Texas with a current population of approximately

200. “When I was a child growing up in Pecan Gap the community was about the size of Megargel, Texas,” Houston said.

Houston said he grew up watching his dad serve on the city council and schoolboard. He said, “I would tag along with my father to these meetings, and I was always fascinated.”

Houston has lived in Olney since taking the position back in September 2016. Previously, Houston resided in Larimer County, Colorado where he was an elections officer for approximately two years. His wife Joanna has been at Tim’s side for seven years, and they have one daughter, Eleanor, age 3.

In his role as city secretary, Houston wears many hats. Some of his duties include: writing city ordinances, acting as finance officer, writing resolutions, keeping track of the council’s agenda, recording official city council meeting minutes for city council meetings, serving as elections officer, and also the information technology guru—although he claims he is no expert. He said, “As with most small towns if you choose to serve the public, you will inevitably wear many hats.”

Houston expressed his appreciation to everyone in Olney. “Everything is looking up, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve the community of Olney. I want to send a special thanks to the city council for serving Olney,” he said.

While the city has a lot of plans in the works, Houston said it might take some time to come to fruition. However, there are multiple organizations marching forward to make Olney the best little town there is.