Three months after being re-elected a San Augustine city councilman has resigned to apply for the vacant city manager's position.

According to Mayor Leroy Hughes, Joe Verhalen submitted his letter of resignation just prior to February's regular monthly council meeting and it was accepted by the council.

Verhalen was re-elected to the San Augustine City Council in November and says he has served some 14 years on the city council. Verhalen is currently serving as San Augustine County Auditor and has an extensive background in banking and grocery management in San Augustine County.

Mayor Hughes says the San Augustine City Council's search for a replacement didn't take long as former council member Claudia Caberallas has accepted the invitation for appointment to fill Verhalen's unexpired term. She is to be formally appointed at the March 17 council meeting.

Ms. Caberallas was defeated in the general election after being appointed and serving 8 months.

Mayor Hughes said Ms. Caberallas showed a lot of enthusiasm in the capacity previously, really enjoyed city government and working for the people of San Augustine.

Mayor Hughes tells us the city has received several city manager applications and is in no hurry to replace the late Bruce Milstead, who passed away in January.