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Weimar Police Department announced the hiring of its new police chief Jason Smalley, Monday, April 6, on Facebook, and the city also officially hired Clay Bittner as its finance director.
Police chief
Smalley will fill the vacancy left by former Weimar police chief David Sosa, who resigned on Dec. 12, 2025. Smalley resigned as chief at Bellville Police Department effective Aug. 31, 2025, to take on an unannounced position at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Eight months later, Smalley is joining Weimar’s police force to lead its sergeant and two officers.
“He joins WPD with a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a strong vision for the department’s future,” the announcement reads. “We are excited to welcome Chief Smalley to Weimar and look forward to the continued growth and success of our department under his leadership.”
Smalley brings over two decades of law enforcement experience. He joined the Bellville Police Department in 2005, became lieutenant in 2008 and was sworn in as police chief in March 2021. He grew up in Austin County and graduated from Bellville High School in 1992. Smalley’s family includes his wife Jenni and two sons, Caleb and Colt.
“Very excited for this new opportunity!” Smalley posted on Facebook. “God opens doors and provides for avenues that we never see coming. I am truly blessed.”
Finance director
Bittner will fill the vacancy left by David Mason following Mason’s appointment to City Manager on Jan. 15. Bittner previously served as the president of Hill Bank and Trust Co. in Weimar.
His hiring prompted the sudden resignations of Kurt Scardino and Rex Kloesel from their seats on Weimar City Council on March 5. The two said they resigned to avoid ethical conflicts with local nepotism laws regarding first cousins.
“I don’t believe it would be ethically appropriate for the council to amend the policy while I am still serving as a member of the council,” Scardino previously said in his statement posted to Facebook. “Additionally, I believe that someone’s livelihood and the opportunity for what could be a decades- long career are far more important than my position on the Council.”
Mason stood by choosing Bittner as “the best candidate” for the position at the time. Mason previously said Bittner grew up in Weimar and still lives in the community with his family.
Both Smalley and Bittner will make their first appearances in their new roles at the next City Council meeting, Thursday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 106 East Main Street, Weimar, TX 78962.
