Horseshoe Bay begins search for new police chief
Horseshoe Bay has officially begun the search for a new police chief following the resignation of Police Chief Jason Graham in April. Paul Nelson, assistant chief since June 2024, is serving as acting police chief in the interim until a permanent chief is found.
City Council approved during its May 19 meeting to hire the Texas Police Chiefs Association to conduct an organizational assessment, assist with recruitment, and provide leadership transition support in the search. The contract is expected to cost about $22,000 and take 30 to 60 days.
The Texas Police Chiefs Association will evaluate department operations, policies and internal culture, establish performance criteria for the incoming chief and assist with recruiting duties, including advertising the position, reviewing applications, evaluating candidates and making recommendations.
City Manager Jeff Koska said the goal is to give the new leader a clear understanding of the department’s strengths and challenges while preserving institutional knowledge. He said the approach is modeled after the city’s 2023 search for a fire chief.