After a nationwide recruitment search conducted by Affion Public, City Manager David Morgan has appointed Nick Woolery and Police Chief Wayne Nero as assistant city managers. Their first day will be Dec. 6.

Nero has served as interim assistant city manager since June 14. Assistant Police Chief Cory Tchida will continue to serve as interim police chief until this position is permanently filled.

“It has been an honor to serve Georgetown as the chief of police for the last decade,” Nero said. “The future of our police department is bright and in very capable hands. Georgetown is a special community, and I am excited to continue serving my community in a new role.”

Nero has served as Georgetown’s chief of police for the past 11 years. During that time, Nero and his executive team rebranded and successfully established an organizational culture that is vision-inspired, mission-driven, people-focused, and performance-based. Under his leadership, Georgetown has become the 153rd Texas law enforcement agency to achieve recognized status through the Texas Police Chief’s Best Practice Recognition Program. Nero holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and a Master of Professional Studies degree in Homeland Security Leadership from the University of Connecticut, a program offered in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School.

As assistant city manager, Nero will oversee several City departments, including police, fire, information technology, community services, and human resources and organizational development.

“Wayne Nero has been a key leader making a significant impact in our community and organization,” Morgan said. “I’m excited about his service in this new role.”

Woolery has served as assistant city manager for the City of Baytown, Texas, since 2019. He started with the City of Baytown in 2010 as assistant to the city manager. In 2014, he was promoted to interim public works director, and in 2015 became the City’s director of strategy and innovation, where he oversaw the City’s 5-year strategic plan. Woolery developed and oversaw the implementation of a $636 million comprehensive capital improvement program, launched a significant public engagement program, and implemented a process improvement and people empowerment program leading to more than $1 million in savings. He also has significant development experience executing agreements for residential, commercial, industrial, and hotel/convention projects. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Public Administration degree from Washburn University.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join an already talented team and help positively impact the City’s future,” Woolery said.  “My family and I are looking forward to calling Georgetown home and being a part of such a special community.”

Woolery will shepherd development across Georgetown, overseeing the City’s planning, inspections, systems engineering, public works, special districts, and communications departments.

“Nick provided significant value in Baytown and will be a tremendous asset to Georgetown,” Morgan said. “His experience in organizational development and process improvement will be critical as we meet the ongoing demands of growth.”

A mosquito trap sample collected Oct. 5 in north Georgetown has tested positive for West Nile virus. This testing is part of the City of Georgetown’s participation in the Williamson County and Cities Health District’s (WCCHD) Integrated Vector Management program. The positive test was indicated in lab results received Oct. 6 from the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin.

The sample was collected from a trap near Diamond Dove Trail and Airport Road.

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States. In 2021, there have been eight mosquito samples pools that returned positive for West Nile virus in Williamson County. This is the first positive trap in 2021 at this location. The last positive trap collected at this location was October 2016.

The City and the Health District are encouraging everyone to be especially vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites when outdoors and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property. Recent rain and continued warm temperatures are prime breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

While there have been no reported incidences of human infection of West Nile virus in Williamson County this year, symptoms of infection may include fever, headache, and body aches, a skin rash on the trunk of the body, and swollen lymph nodes. Those age 50 and older and/or with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for severe symptoms, which may include stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis, and in rare cases, death.

City of Georgetown parks staff will continue mosquito control efforts with the treatment of standing water with larvicide, and WCCHD will continue enhanced monitoring and testing, along with increased public outreach and education. The City is prepared to take additional action if necessary.

Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November. During this period, WCCHD monitors the mosquito population and tests for mosquito-borne viruses.

The most important way to prevent West Nile virus is to reduce the number of mosquitoes where people work and play. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their personal property. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, needing as little as one teaspoon. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed.

What you can do

Eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed and reducing the chances of mosquito bites are the most effective lines of defense against exposure to West Nile virus. As part of its Fight the Bite campaign the Health District recommends the 3 Ds of mosquito safety:

• Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes, or clogged gutters so mosquitoes don’t have a place to breed and treat water that can’t be drained,
• Defend by using an EPA-approved insect repellent, and
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

For more information, go to the WCCHD website at wcchd.org or visit the Texas Department of State Health Services West Nile website at txwestnile.org.