Kansas City candidate still in Austin's city manager race despite reports, mayor says

Brian Platt, one of the candidates selected to move forward in Austin's city manager race, has not dropped out of the process, despite reports from a Kansas City outlet, according to a post to council members from Mayor Kirk Watson.

Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's previous coverage of Austin's three city manager finalists.

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Brian Platt, one of the candidates selected to move forward in Austin's city manager race, has not dropped out of the process, despite reports from a Kansas City outlet, according to a post to council members from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.

"You may have seen a news report indicating that the Kansas City Council voted last night to give the Kansas City Mayor authority to negotiate a new contract with Brian Platt, one of the three finalists for the permanent Austin City Manager position. We have been in contact with Mr. Platt through our search firm. He has not withdrawn from consideration for the Austin job," Watson wrote.

T.C. Broadnax of Dallas and Sara Hensley of Denton, Texas are also in the running for the position.

After 39 people applied to be Austin’s next city manager, Austin City Council identified its top candidates after a work session behind closed doors Tuesday. Platt was one of those candidates.

Candidates next move to interviews with city council and will participate in a community town hall. Mayor Kirk Watson said they expect to have a new city manager by early April.