toby futrell

The number of candidates to replace departing Austin City Manager Toby Futrell was reduced to two today — Jelynne Burley of San Antonio and Marc Ott of Fort Worth.

Both finalists who were passed over for the top jobs in their current cities.

Out of the running is Futrell deputy Laura Huffman, because of despite the strong support she enjoyed from Councilman Brewster McCracken.

Also eliminated from consideration was Rudy Garza, another assistant under Futrell.

Rick Cole has been city manager in Ventura, California, north of Los Angeles for nearly four years. Now he’s in the running to replace Austin’s own Toby Futrell, who retires in May.

According to a news story in Cole’s hometown paper, he was recruited by a corporate headhunter and has applied for the Austin job.