BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont council member Taylor Neild is opting not to run for reelection in the May 2025 municipal election.
Neild, who has served on the council since first being elected in 2019, noted that since he is a proponent of term limits, he felt it was time to give up the Ward One seat he has held for three two-year terms, according to a Thursday morning news release.
Neild says he's always supported term limits for city council members.
"Whenever I originally signed up to be on the council I always knew this was not going to be a long term deal for me," said Neild.
He noted in the release that this would give others in the community the chance to serve in local government.
"I believe this is the correct time to relinquish this seat and open it to others who would like to serve," Neild said in the release.
Neild expressed his gratitude to his constituents, saying, "I owe a debt of gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the Ward 1 citizens who allowed me to serve in their honor and trusted me to cast votes in the city’s best interest."
He said he made the decision not to run again after much thought and discussion with his family.
"We have a family business that we run. I have four kids. I have a daughter that lives out of the area for college. So I'd like to spend time with her on the weekends," said Neild.
He said he will continue to support the city in his role at H.B. Neild Construction and as a pro-business advocate and would remain open to other opportunities to serve the community.
"It is my greatest honor to have worked with the community and other dedicated public servants for more than five years, and I do not regret any of the votes I was trusted to make," he said in the release.
12News also spoke to Beaumont mayor Roy West, who knew this was coming.
"I understand that it is a decision that he made and I respect that. And I want what's best for him and his family," West said.
West and Neild have spent countless hours working side by side in council meetings. He'll miss what Neild bought to the table. West is glad Neild is taking time to focus on what's most important to him.
"With his construction background and running a business he has a lens to which he sees thing as important and has been important for the city," said West.
Nield says he's leaving council knowing he made impacts to improve the city's infrastructure, the same reason he decided to run in the first place.
"I will argue with anybody that wants to argue with me. Water and sewer is better in Beaumont today than it was six years ago. We are finally seeing progress in those areas. That's something I fought for on the front end when I first got there. Street improvements are moving at a pace still that is better than it was in 2019," he said.
Neild says it's time for someone new.
"I think it's good to get fresh blood up there. Get new ideas, a new level on energy, it's never bad to have something new or try something else out," Neild said.
The councilman says what will always stick out to him are folks that call Beaumont home and voted him in.
"Beaumont is truly blessed with great residents," Neild said.
He isn't gone just yet. Neild will still have to serve out the remainder of his term until May 2025.
There is no word yet on anyone announcing to run for his seat.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.