EASTLAND, TEXAS — TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026
EASTLAND CITY COMMISSION
City Manager Resigns as Meeting Ends in Open Conflict
Savannah Fortenberry announces a July 27 departure, citing a hostile work environment; police chief escorted out after confrontation with a commissioner
By Jett Whittington — The Alliance Gazette
The Eastland City Commission met in regular session on July 20, 2026. A few unusual notes are worth making before the summary continues.
City Secretary Roma Holley was out and not present for this meeting. City Manager Savannah Fortenberry acted as secretary and did not sit with the commissioners. The city attorney was also present, taking notes throughout the session.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Three citizens spoke during public comment. The first was Richard Pleasant, who directed his comments and questions to Commissioner Joe Williamson, asking what Williamson’s agenda for the city is and whether that agenda was to “ruin the City of Eastland.” Jared Johnson spoke next, raising concerns about zoning for modular homes and asking the commission to reexamine its modular-home zoning ordinances. The final comment came from Sam Williams, who raised concerns about the Public Information resolutions on the agenda. Williams also wanted to speak on the May 2026 eligibility item set for executive session, but withheld his comments until the commission reached a decision.
The city then honored two city pool lifeguards. Doug Getts presented Marli Speer and Austin Franco with an award recognizing the life-saving action that saved a child at the pool.
Cisco Fire Chief Fairbanks was also recognized. The acknowledgment was presented by City Manager Savannah Fortenberry, Eastland Fire Chief Shawn Brightman, and Eastland Police Chief Tim Pitts, honoring Fairbanks for assisting the City of Eastland during last year’s vacancy in the fire chief position.
The commission briefly discussed P&Z Case 26-008 and approved the first reading of Ordinance 26-936, which changes the zoning for the properties in the case from commercial to single family.
The commission entered executive session at 6:42 p.m. and returned at 8:32 p.m. It took no action on the items discussed in executive session.
After returning, the commission heard from Anna Ford and Leah Flowers regarding the Lyric Art Center. The pair requested an increase from the Hotel/Motel Grant Fund to $3,850 per month to cover the center’s base operations. Flowers described the recent success of the Bankhead Community Theatre. This summer, the Lyric Art Center hosted the Young Thespians’ Camp, which welcomed 26 campers who performed for more than 300 people. The Bankhead Community Theatre also held its annual Shakespeare in the Park in Cisco, selling 300 tickets this year. Flowers added that future workshops are being scheduled for August, where aspiring actors can explore pursuing an acting career. The commission approved the requested increase and thanked the Lyric Art Center for its work in the community.
Public Information Resolutions 2026-12 and 2026-13 were next. City Manager Savannah Fortenberry explained that Resolution 2026-12 adopts the state-mandated policy on fees for public information requests, allowing the city to recover the extra hours and labor these requests require. Under the resolution, once an individual requestor’s requests in a single fiscal year exceed 36 hours, the city may begin charging that requestor. Fortenberry said no requestor is expected to exceed 36 hours, but that the city may impose the state-allowed charges if one does. The city attorney noted that 20 requests had crossed her desk in just the last few months. The commission adopted the resolution.
Resolution 2026-13 concerned how city staff would handle public information requests from city commissioners, with special emphasis on requests requiring substantial research or opening an investigation into city activities or employees. The resolution would have required full commission authorization for those types of requests. The commission made no motion, and the resolution was not approved.
The commission then approved the first reading of Ordinance 26-937, which repeals the city’s authority to permit mobile food vendors. Fortenberry explained that the state now oversees mobile food vendor permits, leaving the city without authority to issue them. The state continues to regulate and maintain the requirements for these vendors.
Department reports followed, with City Manager Fortenberry moving her report to the end so she could continue taking minutes. Code Compliance updated the commission on buildings it has heard about in previous meetings, noting that code enforcement continues to stay in contact and update its lists as appropriate. The Police and Fire departments gave their reports, with Chief Pitts stating that the police department is fully staffed and Chief Brightman sharing that recent surveys found no deficiencies and that the department continues to improve ahead of its next inspections.
City Manager Fortenberry then briefed the commission, noting that the city has withdrawn its application for FLOCK cameras. She said the grant funding the city had pursued dried up and is no longer available, so the city withdrew the application. The cameras are no longer planned for installation.
Finally, Fortenberry read her resignation letter aloud to the commission and the public. Her resignation is effective July 27, 2026. She cited a hostile work environment in which commissioners, notably Joe Williamson and Michael Hackney, created “an adversarial and unprofessional work environment,” and she gave several examples:
“I’ve experienced ongoing hostile behavior, personal attacks, intimidation and harassment from Commissioner Williamson, who previously served as a fire chief. Actions directed toward me have, in my opinion, sought to undermine my professional credibility, interfere with my ability to effectively lead the organization, and distract from the city’s mission of serving its citizens. While attempting to take appropriate corrective actions to protect city employees from inappropriate, and unwanted workplace conversations my efforts were met with hostility. During an interaction with Michael Hackney, the term ‘Bullshit’ was directed at me and paperwork I presented was tossed back toward me in a disrespectful and confrontational manner.”
Fortenberry continued reading, raising concerns that such interactions were not isolated to her and noting similar treatment directed at the police chief. After she handed her letter to Mayor Hackney, the audience applauded as she walked back to the table.
As the applause ended, Commissioner Vernon raised a photo, which we have attached to this post (also pinned in the comments of the original) and told Commissioner Williamson, “Joe, I hope you’re proud of yourself and putting something like this on the internet is absolutely ridiculous.”
Mayor Hackney attempted to shut down the conversation, then gave the floor to Commissioner Williamson, who began to apologize to the commission, the public, and the police chief, stating, “That post was not a reflection of me. It’s not a reflection of my beliefs…”
Police Chief Tim Pitts stood up and raised his voice, stating, “That post is definitely a reflection of you..” and saying that Williamson had “zero integrity.” Pitts was escorted out as he yelled toward Commissioner Williamson.
The city attorney approached the mayor and advised that the meeting be adjourned. A motion was made and seconded by Commissioner Thom Cameron. No vote was taken, and a quorum was maintained as commissioners continued to trade words. Commissioner Vernon said Mayor Hackney and Commissioner Williamson should resign, while Hackney said Vernon and Cameron should resign. As Cameron walked out, he returned to say, “I think both of you need to save yourself the disgrace and resign.” Hackney responded ” Who gives a shit what you think?” People could be heard in the audience saying that they cared.
The Alliance Gazette observed crowds outside city hall discussing what had transpired. Commissioner Cameron approached and, when we asked whether there was any way to give Savannah Fortenberry a safe work environment, commented: “You guys just saw from what was going on in there, there is no safe environment…. This is the best thing for her,” referring to her resignation. Fortenberry was seen reassuring Officer Barry and a couple of concerned citizens that everything would resume as normal and that she would ensure operations continued smoothly.
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Editor’s Note:
The Alliance Gazette will continue to keep a light on the City of Eastland and reporting as more information becomes available. The Alliance Gazette stands on neutrality in our reporting but we must say we are saddened to see Savannah Fortenberry resign from her post. She has been a busy city manager securing grant funding, working closely with volunteer groups, actively working on public infrastructure and city services, and providing an environment at City Hall where the employees can feel safe and secure in their abilities and workload. While no one is perfect, Savannah Fortenberry’s passion and drive for Eastland has been exemplary. As members of the public who are active in various volunteer roles, we thank you for your assistance and wish you well in your next adventure.
