In a recent open session meeting held on January 3, 2025, the City of Bandera addressed significant concerns regarding the conduct and management of the city marshal, Nancy. The discussions revealed a troubling pattern of insubordination, poor morale among officers, and issues with new software implementation that have raised alarms within the police department.

The city administrator reported that multiple officers had expressed dissatisfaction with the marshal's leadership, particularly highlighting low morale and the ineffectiveness of the recently adopted Civic Eye software. Officers indicated that the software was cumbersome and detracted from their efficiency, leading to frustrations that could potentially drive personnel to leave the department. The administrator emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns, noting that the implementation of approved pay raises had been delayed, further impacting officer morale.

Additionally, the marshal's behavior towards city council members and other department heads was called into question. Reports of disrespectful interactions and a lack of responsiveness to inquiries were documented, with specific instances where the marshal failed to communicate effectively with council members. This behavior has reportedly created a toxic work environment, undermining the chain of command and leading to a lack of trust among staff.

The city administrator also detailed a series of reprimands issued to the marshal for her conduct, including insubordination and failure to adhere to city policies. A performance improvement plan (PIP) was initiated to address these issues, but subsequent evaluations indicated minimal progress. The administrator expressed grave concerns about the marshal's ability to fulfill her role effectively, citing ongoing behavioral issues that have not improved despite the PIP.

As a result of these findings, the city administrator recommended the immediate removal of the marshal from her position, citing a lack of confidence in her leadership capabilities. This recommendation underscores the city's commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful work environment, as well as the need for effective leadership within the police department.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on the marshal's future and the implementation of necessary changes to restore morale and operational efficiency within the department. The situation remains fluid, with the city council expected to deliberate on the administrator's recommendations in the coming weeks.