City of Cross Plains

Debbie Gosnell

Administrator

P. O. Box 129
(254)725-6114

Deb Gosnell, City Administrator of Cross Plains, is the quintessential example of dedication and commitment. Deb joined the city’s team in August of 1978. After having graduated high school in 1976, Deb went on to attend Brownwood Commercial College where she received her “Legal Secretary” degree. Deb’s career dream had always been to work for a judge. Deb married Don Gosnell in 1979 and when Don’s position of employment moved to Ballinger, Texas, Deb joined the team at Farmers Merchant Bank until they returned to Cross Plains in 1980. Deb returned to her position with the City of Cross Plains shortly after their return to the area. In 1981, Don and Deb became the proud parents of their son Jody Gosnell. Deb also has two step-children – Cindy and Bonnie. Don and Deb have 4 grandchildren.  

In 1984 Deb was recruited by DalMar Energy for the position of Office Manager. Her duties were the management of the City’s local Gas distribution and gas gathering facilities. In that capacity Deb instituted a new in house billing system. Streamlining that process was a major achievement due to all of the regulations the utility was required to meet. Deb still occasionally consults for DalMar when needed. Deb worked for DalMar until 1988 when the City of Cross Plains sought to recruit her as City Administrator. She has served the City in that capacity until the present time. Deb has streamlined and perfected the city’s billing system and in house accounting along with many other major issues the City has faced. 

Deb’s accomplishments are many and varied. In 1989 Deb was instrumental in receiving a grant for a new wastewater treatment plant. In 1990, the City’s new “City Hall” building was built with Deb overseeing and being liaison between the City Council, Engineering firms and Construction processes. Deb was extremely involved in every aspect including the acquisition of the lots where the City Hall now exists. Also in 1990, Deb, making the council aware of governmental mandates,  closed the City’s landfill area which alleviated the City’s responsibility of a costly and prohibitive 20 year monitoring program, had the closure been postponed until 1992.  When the City experienced the devastating effects of a tornado in 1994 – causing thousands of dollars worth of damage – the City quickly responded in a clean-up program under Deb’s leadership. All the while Deb remained compassionate to the citizenry, while also showing excellent business acumen. Deb’s leadership qualities have been indispensable in bringing the City’s infrastructure to meet the expectations and regulations of the TCEQ. As the city progressed in infrastructure, Deb was always attentive to the needs of other employees and was able to bring the City’s equipment standards to a level ever realized before. As a devoted City Administrator, Deb balanced the business aspect parallel to the needs of her employees. 

Various major progress has been accomplished under Deb’s administration. Two water ground storage tanks were replaced and a new water tower was erected. A new wastewater outfall line was planned and completed. The street department has an ongoing street paving project with only a small number of streets that remain gravel. Then, again in 2005, the City suffered another setback when wildfire, swept along on forty five mile an hour winds devastated the City. Immediately, Deb began the monumental task of organizing and with the help of many volunteers as well as the County, all debris was removed and the City was properly functioning in six weeks. But, the woes weren’t over yet. Flooding struck the area – precipitated by a 12” of rainfall. All of the remaining gravel streets experienced devastating loss. However, all streets were rebuilt, with both City funds and a $39,000.00 grant from FEMA that Deb was instrumental in acquiring. During her tenure as City Administrator, Deb has suffered with and responded to the citizens needs in the City she loves and calls home. 

Deb has also served on the Economic Development board for several years. In 2002, she was named as Director of Economic Development. Under Deb’s direction, a new “Dollar General” store was secured and many other businesses have been helped. Local businesses have been retained as well. 

Another feather in Deb’s hat as City Administrator has been the direction of the City’s beautification program of the downtown area as well as community wide. Local youth baseball and softball facilities have been updated. Banners, benches and planters have been placed in strategic location to improve the ascetics of Cross Plains. These were made possible by a grant Deb applied for and received as part of the overall beautification program.

The Senior Citizens Center is another City Project and is very successful under the administration’s leadership. Deb was instrumental in applying for and receiving a $25,000 Texan’s Feeding Texan’s Grant. 

Working with the newly established Planning and Zoning commission, Deb is excited about a new program that is actively promoting the  removal of  old dilapidated structures in the community, providing a safe, quality of life environment for its citizens. 

“I have surrounded myself with faithful employees who love their job and their community and have the same views as myself.  I work well with my Mayor/Council in the promotion of my community and projects that we undertake.  If any honor is due, my Mayor/council – past and present - share in it as their goals have always been my goals as well. Renewing my commitment to the Lord in 1986, I believe in having a “working as unto the Lord” attitude.  I have lived in Cross Plains my entire life except for two years.  I have dedicated my life to God, family, and community.  Everyone who knows me knows that my office is open and I am both concerned and compassionate about the needs of Cross Plains and its citizens.”

The Citizens of Cross Plains are our most important asset. Our goal is to provide our citizens with the best possible government. To ensure our commitment to citizen service, we will:

• Respond to all inquires, requests for service, or complaints in a professional manner;
• Treat each citizen with respect, dignity and courtesy;
• Provide citizens with accurate information and clearly defined procedures;
• Treat each individual request for assistance or service equally;
• Make a commitment to continually improve our employees’ professional ability to maintain the highest level of citizen satisfaction.

About the City of Cross Plains Administrator

The City Administrator is responsible for the daily overall operation of the City of Cross Plains under general supervision of the Mayor and City Council. She maintains an effective working relationship with committees, department heads, employees and the public in order to coordinate and assure the effective and efficient city government operations. As the Chief Administrative Officer of the city, she is responsible for budgeting, financial planning and analysis, and human resource management.