City manager placed on leave with pay

Elgin officials unanimously voted Sept. 3 to place City Manager Robert Eads on administrative leave with pay, days after the city announced he was on a temporary leave of absence.

City Council made the call following an hourlong discussion in executive session on personnel matters involving Eads. As of press time Friday, Sept. 4, officials declined to provide further comment on the decision.

Eads was not available for comment.

Development Services Director Beau Perry will continue serving as acting city manager with full administrative authority, according to the city.

The city first announced Aug. 31 that Eads was on a temporary leave of absence but did not provide a reason. Officials said at the time that all city departments, emergency services and public programs would continue operating as normal.

Eads was sworn in as Elgin city manager in December after serving as interim city manager for several months.

Before coming to Elgin, Eads served as city manager in Laredo. According to reporting from KGNS News, Eads resigned in January 2022, with then-Mayor Pete Saenz saying he left for personal reasons.