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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
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. 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.
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 in the capacity of Research and Development, 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.”
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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.
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.
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. 
