Public works building renamed for former city manager

Former City Manager Bob Bennett
Former City Manager Bob Bennett

The City of Round Rock’s newly opened utilities and transportation administration building was renamed in honor of former City Manager Bob Bennett following a vote by the Round Rock City Council on Thursday, Jan. 23.

The new building, located at 3400 Sunrise Road, opened in September 2019 and brought public works employees from the City’s Utilities and Transportation Departments under one roof.

Bennett began his career with the City of Round Rock in 1976, when he was hired as the City’s first Director of Planning and Zoning. He later served as City Manager between 1979 and 2003.

As City Manager, Bennett was instrumental in the development of the City’s transportation system by leading the effort to create the Round Rock Transportation Development Corporation, which utilizes a portion of sales tax revenues to build and improve major roadways in the Round Rock. He was also instrumental in the development of the City’s water and wastewater utility systems in securing a long-term water supply by purchasing surface water rights in Lake Georgetown, and by creating a regional wastewater system centered around the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater Plant.

In addition to those transportation and utilities projects, the City navigated successful agreements with Dell Corporation and the Round Rock Express, and constructed a new library, City Hall, the downtown parking garage, the McConico Building, the Baca Building and several fire stations under Bennett’s leadership.

“This town is so special, and so many times we were told by people…that we didn’t have what it took, and we proved them wrong,” Bennett said, crediting the commitment of his fellow staff members and colleagues to managing Round Rock’s growth.

The building was named for Bennett following a request from previous mayors and City Attorney Steve Sheets that was considered and approved by a committee of three councilmembers. Former Round Rock mayors and staff members were in attendance and spoke about Bennett’s impact on the city.

“What an impact Bob’s had on this community,” said Councilmember Will Peckham, who served on the renaming committee. “As a kid who grew up here and watched it, and to have my kids grow up here and be a part of it, I can’t say thank you enough for what you’ve done.”

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