The Del Rio City Council has scheduled a special meeting for August 24, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, located at 109 West Broadway. The main item on the agenda is a critical executive session where council members will deliberate on the appointment and employment of a new city manager.

This meeting is significant as the role of the city manager is crucial in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city and implementing the policies set forth by the city council. The executive session will allow council members to have a confidential discussion, as permitted under Section 551.074(1) of the Texas Government Code, which pertains to personnel matters. This section of the code provides legal cover for discussions that involve the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee.

After the executive session, the council will reconvene into a regular session, where they may recall any item discussed in the executive session for action if necessary. The public will be keenly observing the outcomes of this meeting, as the appointment of a new city manager will have lasting impacts on the governance and administration of Del Rio.

This move follows a period of heightened scrutiny and interest in the city’s leadership and governance practices, making the decision particularly important for the community’s future.

Manuel Chavez has been serving as the interim City Manager, a role that Chavez has excelled as the City’s lead man during multiple stints as the interim City Manager. Some resident have questioned the motives of the City Council.

One resident that wished to stay anonymous said “Something is going on with the City Council, they should have offered the position to Manuel Chavez months ago.”