Bridge City's city council voted Tuesday night to hire Brent Walker, assistant city manager in the Texas Panhandle, to be Bridge City's city manager.

Walker, who has worked for Dalhart, a city of 10,000, since 2013, was a unanimous choice.

He has a master's degree in public administration, a certificate in public finance and a Class C water license.

He will report for work Feb. 1, Mayor David Rutledge said.

"We're really excited," Rutledge said. "We think he brings a lot of necessary skills and experience to the job.

"And the thing about it, it was a unanimous decision and our city staff supported it whole-heartedly."

Bridge City received 12 applications to fill the city manager job vacated last week by the retirement of Jerry Jones.

The mayor and six-person city council considered the resumes and invited four candidates for in-person interviews, which were held on consecutive evenings, Jan. 5 through Jan. 8.

They met again last week to review the four and consider which would be best fit for Bridge City.

"Definitely all 12 people were considered and I feel that the best person was chosen," Place 3 Councilwoman Tammi Fisette said.

"I think he'll be a guy that benefits the city," Place 2 Councilman Mike Reed said.

"He's interested in developing the city, kind of branding the city," Aaron Roccaforte, Place 1 Councilman, chimed in.

"... So people know we're here," Reed said.

According to Rutledge, Walker has been assistant city manager for Dalhart for four years after serving as finance chief for five years.