The City of Eagle Pass is facing mounting questions over why employee pay raises, promised through an independent pay study, were delayed for nearly two months after the final report was made available. The study, commissioned by the City Council in November 2024 and completed on February 21, 2025, identified significant wage disparities among city employees and recommended immediate adjustments. But despite the urgency, the city chose not to act until weeks later.

The timing of this delay has raised a critical question: If the pay study was ready in February, why was it mysteriously withheld until after the May election? Who stands to benefit the most from this delayed implementation? Could it be a sitting councilwoman who is now advancing to a runoff for the mayor’s office?

The decision to delay the pay raises comes as Eagle Pass prepares for a heated runoff election for mayor between Aaron Valdez and Monica Cruz. Cruz, who currently serves as a city councilwoman, has been a central figure in city leadership and now finds herself in a tight race for the city’s highest office. Critics argue that the timing of the pay raise announcement—coming just as the runoff campaign begins—could be an attempt to boost her public image.

The pay study itself was commissioned from an independent consulting firm tasked with evaluating city employee wages and recommending adjustments to bring them in line with regional standards. According to the final report, the study revealed significant gaps in pay for various city positions, with many employees earning far below competitive rates. The recommendations were clear: immediate action was needed to address the disparities and retain staff.

Yet for nearly two months, the study was not acted upon. City officials have not provided a clear explanation for the delay. Councilman Mario García, who has spoken about the importance of transparency, suggested that the process was complex and required careful review. But for many city employees, this explanation is not enough.

“If they had the study in February, why did they wait until May to do anything? Was this about helping city workers or about helping someone’s campaign?” asked one city employee, who requested anonymity.

The controversy has only intensified as the runoff approaches. Supporters of Aaron Valdez argue that the delay is a clear example of political maneuvering, designed to create a favorable narrative for Cruz. Meanwhile, Cruz’s supporters maintain that the timing was coincidental and that the council acted as quickly as possible.

This is not the first time the city has faced criticism over pay issues. City employees have long complained that their wages are not keeping pace with the cost of living. The pay study was intended to fix that problem, but the delay has now become a flashpoint in the mayoral campaign.

As voters prepare to decide the city’s next leader on June 7, they are now being asked to consider whether the delay in pay raises was about good governance or political advantage. The city’s workforce, many of whom are directly affected, will be watching closely to see if leadership priorities are driven by fairness or by campaign strategies.