(MINERAL WELLS, TX) – Long time Mineral Wells City Manager Lance Howerton says after 25 years of service, he’s hanging it up, announcing his retirement at the end of the year.

Howerton told the Mineral Wells Index that the recent political climate in the city, with the mayor and some of his supporters calling for Howerton’s dismissal, did not play into the timing of his decision.  He added that he and his wife had determined the timing was right to retire.  Prior to coming to Mineral Wells, Howerton was the City Manager in Springtown.  The City Council could start the process of finding his replacement this week.