Del Rio City Manager Proposes $3 Million in Cuts to Address Budget Deficit
DEL RIO, Texas — City Manager Shawna Burkhart assured city council members during a special workshop on Saturday that essential services would continue even as she recommended cutting 28 jobs and more than $3 million in spending from the proposed 2025-2026 budget.
The city is facing a projected $6 million deficit for the coming fiscal year. Burkhart’s plan would reduce the shortfall to just over $3 million by eliminating 24 full-time and four part-time positions, along with a series of other reductions.
How Cuts Were Determined
Mayor Al Arreola asked Burkhart how staff decided which positions to eliminate. Burkhart explained that her team reviewed each department’s efficiency, productivity, and ability to transfer or consolidate roles. Facility maintenance was one area identified for restructuring, with technology expected to help offset lost positions.
“We looked at efficiencies, effectiveness, productivity, and any options we could think of,” Burkhart told the council. “We tried to make decisions that would impact services as little as possible.”
When pressed on what would happen if the council rejected the cuts, Burkhart was clear. “Simply that your deficit goes up,” she said, confirming that the budget hole would remain at $6 million.
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Services and Staffing
Council members repeatedly asked whether eliminating positions would affect city services. Burkhart admitted there would be an impact but emphasized that her team had worked to shield the public as much as possible.
Departments such as WIC, Transportation, and Nutrition Services will not be cut. Most of the proposed reductions would affect clerical and support staff rather than frontline services like streets, water, and wastewater.
Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez pressed the point further, telling colleagues, “Our message to citizens should be that while positions are being cut, services will not be cut.” Burkhart agreed with that assessment.
Council Questions
The workshop also touched on specific budget items. Councilman Randy Quiñones asked about Fourth of July festivities, where Burkhart recommended reducing the city’s contribution by $15,000. Assistant City Manager Manuel Chavez confirmed the original budget for the event was $70,000, and staff noted that donations from the community also help cover costs.
Council members raised questions about city reserves as well. Councilman J.P. Sanchez noted that even with the proposed cuts, the city will face a $3 million shortage next year. Interim Finance Director Linda Coones confirmed the city currently has $10.6 million in its general fund, with $7.2 million required as a three-month reserve.
Sanchez argued that showing a balanced budget is critical as Del Rio seeks loans for water and wastewater infrastructure. “We need to do what we can to balance this budget,” he said. “It’s going to hurt, but we’ve got to do it to solve the problems the city is facing.”
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Other Concerns
Council members also questioned reductions in funding for the county’s women’s shelter. Burkhart explained that grant funding is not available at this time to cover the city’s share. City Attorney Ana Markowski Smith added that the shelter’s funding is tied to a memorandum of understanding with the county and suggested reviewing the city’s legal obligations.
Burkhart and her staff also briefed council members on debt service, noting that the city will pay off several general obligation bonds and certificates of obligation in the next year. Those payments will affect both the interest and sinking fund and the maintenance and operations portion of the property tax rate.
Burkhart closed the workshop by acknowledging the difficult choices ahead. “The grim nature of a reduction in force is never something that’s embraced fully,” she said. She noted that staff will continue reviewing the budget before the council’s September 9 meeting and may find ways to salvage some of the proposed positions without worsening the deficit.
Even with the recommended cuts, the city will still need to address a $3 million shortfall in the coming year. Council members agreed that more work will be required to secure Del Rio’s financial stability while protecting critical services.
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