The Llano City Council voted unanimously to offer the full-time city manager position to Police Chief John Bauer, who had been serving as interim city manager. The city said the decision was made after a search for a full-time replacement. Bauer will move from the interim role to the permanent post at an annual salary of $120,000.
Mayor Laura Almond appointed Bauer as interim city manager on Sept. 10, after former City Manager Finley deGraffenried resigned. Almond told DailyTrib that Bauer has shown proven leadership and is highly respected in the community. She said he has some technical things to learn.
Llano Police Lt. Les Hartman will serve as interim police chief until a permanent chief is found and offered the job. Bauer was hired as the city's police chief in December 2024. He has 18 years of law enforcement experience, including stints with the Plano, Horseshoe Bay and San Saba police departments. Almond said Bauer built a police agency where people want to work.