City officials manage hurricane relief efforts-JAMES R. NUSE, Round Rock City Manager

City officials manage hurricane relief efforts-JAMES R. NUSE, Round Rock City Manager

Written by Julie Tereshchuk Friday, 07 October 2005

JAMES R. NUSE, Round Rock City Manager

Like many of his fellow Round Rock citizens, City Manager Jim Nuse saw first-hand Hurricane Katrina’s impact on evacuees. Handing out cots, blankets and water, he volunteered at Austin’s Convention Center as Round Rock’s largest civic neighbor rushed to set-up temporary housing.

Two days later he was at another temporary shelter - this time at Round Rock High School - coordinating deliveries of diapers, towels and bottled water for Rita evacuees. The meetings he had been attending with local community agencies, including the Red Cross and Round Rock’s pastoral community, shifted focus as the city transitioned from supporting Austin’s efforts to opening its own shelters.

Facing the challenges of Round Rock housing the second influx of Gulf Coast evacuees in a month, Nuse discussed the tab already paid for Katrina relief. Although the city did not house any Katrina evacuees, many citizens offered temporary shelter to displaced families.

“Approximately $49,000 has been diverted from the Community Development Block Grant. Of that, $40,000 is for housing vouchers, and $5,000 for transportation vouchers. The balance is being used to restock the food pantry at the [Round Rock Area] Serving Center,” he said. “The Round Rock non-profit is a terrific group,” added Nuse. “They provide great service to the community.”

Q You became city manager in 2003. What qualifications do you have for the job?

A Like all the people I work with, I have a strong desire to serve the city and the public - I enjoy it. I’m a registered civil engineer in the state of Texas, and I was in the Round Rock public works department for 20 years - latterly serving as director.

Q How do you balance the political aspect of your job?

A We’ve always had a terrific elected leadership. They’ve always done what is right for the time, and made it possible for Round Rock to become what it is.

Q How do you communicate with your staff?

A First, I have to say, we have a talented and dedicated staff. I try to visit every city employee four times a year for a brown bag lunch. One of the things I take along is a list of the city council priorities, based on citizen surveys we do every two years.

Q Why should someone be excited about living in Round Rock?

A Since pioneer times through today, there has been a conscious effort to focus on the quality of life in Round Rock. The basic cost of living - I mean, the city commodities - are some of the lowest in Texas. We now have more people who live and work in Round Rock, rather than living here and commuting into Austin.

• Born February 25, 1953, in Madison, New Jersey
• Education History major, University of Wyoming,“I played football as an under-sized offensive guard.”
• Family Married to Daisy for 27 years, whom he met in Houston,“It was the serendipity of a winter storm in Iowa that took me to Houston.” Son Adam is married to Sarah
• Leisure “I’m not a big movie fan, but my favorite is Big Fish, with Albert Finney.
• Hobbies “I love the lake. We have a place on Lake Travis and I fish and swim whenever I can.”
• Favorite area restaurant “Hao-Hao, it’s Chinese-Vietnamese food. I gave Hao-Hao gift certificates to everyone last Christmas as gifts.“
• Contact info 218-5401; citymanager@round-rock.tx.us