Forest Hill has parted ways with its city manager, and the breakup is pricey. The city is on the hook for roughly $380,000 after a split City Council vote, even as officials scramble to fill key leadership roles. A Forest Hill police captain has been tapped to serve as interim city manager, and a special called meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday to vote on his contract. The shuffle has some council members and developers warning that active projects could stall while City Hall retools its lineup.
Records provided to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram show the separation will cost Forest Hill about $380,000, with roughly $262,000 tied to accrued vacation and sick leave. The council voted 4-3 on April 7 to terminate City Manager Karen Wehle, who told the paper her contract had been scheduled to expire in June. She also said she has hired an attorney and intends to pursue legal action.
Captain Demond Spraberry, a Forest Hill police captain with more than 15 years on the force, was nominated at a special meeting earlier this month and accepted the interim city manager post the following day. Police Chief Daniel Hernandez had been offered the job before the public meeting but declined, telling the council, “I will remain committed as police chief and continue to provide safety for our citizens.” The nomination and closely watched vote, which have split the council, were detailed by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Special meeting tonight
The City Council’s special called meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Forest Hill Public Library, the City of Forest Hill calendar shows. The event listing links to the agenda on the city’s CivicClerk portal, where the interim-contract item is posted for review. Residents who want to track council action can find the materials there ahead of the vote.
Projects and staffing left in limbo
Mayor Stephanie Boardingham and other council members say Wehle handled planning, economic development and several other city roles, work they fear could pause while Forest Hill reshuffles responsibilities. Developers told the paper that dozens of projects were underway when Wehle was dismissed, and some have voiced frustration with the abrupt change in leadership. The city’s FY 2026 budget, available through Tarrant County, outlines the staffing and facilities that could be affected as the council decides how to plug the gaps.
Legal questions ahead
Wehle has said she has retained counsel and plans to pursue legal action, a move that could keep the dispute alive long after the separation payout is processed. Council members who backed her termination cite concerns about communication, while opponents warn of potential legal and operational fallout. What happens next will depend on any filings that emerge and on the council’s upcoming personnel decisions…