Former Marble Falls council members return to dais; mayor says goodbye

The new Marble Falls City Council is full of familiar faces after the winners of the May 3 election were sworn in during a special meeting Tuesday, May 13. The four new council members, including Mayor John Packer, will serve two-year terms.

Packer, who was mayor from 2015-21, replaces Dave Rhodes, who termed out of council service this year.

“I’ve been on council a lot in the past, and I think it’s about continuing our vision for Marble Falls,” Packer told DailyTrib.com. “Staying ahead of the water (needs of the city) and the planning and things that kind of help keep the downtown area and the old small-town feel, keep that vision going as well.”

Dee Haddock ran unopposed for the Place 2 seat, which had been occupied by Councilor Karlee Hubble, who chose to run for the Place 4 seat instead. Haddock served on the council on and off between 2017 and 2022.

“I have to get back up to speed on a few things, but the obvious big project is the wastewater plant, making sure I contribute to that,” Haddock said. “Supporting the staff is really big for day-to-day operation. Getting them the equipment they need, getting them the bodies they need to get the job done is also a major priority for me.”

Incumbent Place 6 Councilor Craig Magerkurth ran unopposed. He previously served in the Place 1 seat from 2016-22.

“We have a lot of old infrastructure, clay and brick pipes, that we really got to look at replacing to make sure we’re future-proof and so that the city can handle its growth and just maintain where it is now,” he said. “The other things that I’m really interested in are traffic patterns and traffic control. We need all of that, and it is just vital to keep this area usable.”

In a game of municipal musical chairs, former Place 2 Councilor Hubble chose to run for the Place 4 seat of outgoing Councilor Bryan Walker, who did not seek reelection. Hubble was pitted against another former councilor, Rene Rosales Sr., who served in the Place 3 seat from 2020-22. Hubble won by a vote county of 362-204. This was the only contested race on the Marble Falls City Council ballot.

Hubble sought reelection on a platform of “thoughtful” family-oriented growth and sculpting a community that caters to residents across the board.

“I’m definitely blessed and very thankful that I keep getting to serve our community,” she said.

The newly sworn-in members join councilors Griff Morris (Place 1), Lauren Haltom (Place 3), and Richard Westerman (Place 5), whose seats will be up for election in 2026.

FAREWELL, MAYOR RHODES

According to Councilor Magerkurth, outgoing Mayor Dave Rhodes has the second-most years on the council, one term behind current Councilor Westerman. Magerkurth cited Rhodes’ notable contributions to bringing the city’s incoming $86 million wastewater plant to fruition, the largest project the city has ever seen.

“We’re honoring a very great man. He has been an amazing mentor to me,” Magerkurth said while handing Rhodes a plaque honoring his service to Marble Falls. “His leadership for this city has been over the top.”

Rhodes followed up with a brief speech, thanking the gathered city employees and elected officials.

“It has been more than pleasure: It has been an honor, it has been a privilege,” he said. “I’m going to miss you all. I’m going to miss working with you. I’m going to miss fighting with you. I’m going to miss the challenge, but I’m grateful that John is stepping in to fill my spot. We’re in great shape. Thank you for (allowing me) to serve the city for this long.”

dakota@thepicayune.com