By Karen Gleason
The 830 Times
Six of the seven members of the Del Rio City Council were present. Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez was absent.
Here’s what happened at the meeting:
Council approves Fiscal Year 2026-2027 city budget
City council members voted 6-0 to approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 city budget.
Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez briefly went over some of the highlights of the budget before council members voted, thanking the council for entrusting him and the members of the city’s finance department staff, particularly Interim Finance Director Roxy Soto, with working to create the budget. Chavez said one of his priorities was a balanced budget “that we can all work with and be able to provide some sort of pay for our city employees.” Chavez noted the budget is based on a property tax rate that is the same as the previous year’s rate and said he anticipated a 1.15 percent increase in sales tax over the coming year, a reduction of transfers from other funds into the general fund, the provision of a 2 percent salary adjustment for all non-civil service employees, a 5 percent increase in the city’s contribution to its employees’ health and dental insurance costs and a reduction of 34 currently vacant positions. Several council members also thanked Chavez and Soto for their work on the budget. The budget was approved on a roll call vote.
Council sets property tax rate for the 2026 tax year
City council members voted 6-0 to adopt a tax rate for the 2026 tax year for the purpose of imposing the amount of taxes needed to fund the maintenance and operation (M&O) expenditures of the city. The council set the M&O rate at $0.404887 per $100 of taxable valuation. The council also voted 6-0 to adopt a tax rate for the 2026 tax year for the purpose of imposing the amount of taxes needed to pay the city’s debt service (interest and sinking – I&S). The council set the I&S rate at $0.302113 per $100 of taxable valuation. Both tax rates were approved on a roll call vote. The total property tax rate for the city will be $0.7070 and is the same as the current rate.
Council approves ordinance amending city fee schedule
City council members voted 6-0 to approve an ordinance amending the consolidated fee schedule revising fees at the international bridge and the water and sewer department. The revised fee schedule calls for a 25-cent increase in international bridge crossing tolls for pedestrians and bicyclists, from 75 cents to $1. The water and sewer connection fees will be increased as follows: water connection ¾-inch partial, from $150 to $225; water connection ¾-inch complete, from $600 to $900; water connection 1-inch partial, from $250 to $375; water connection, 1-inch complete, from $800 to $1,200; and sewer connection, 6-inch, from $450 to $675. The new fee schedule is available on the city’s web site.
Interim city manager gives update on projects, recognizes long-term employees
Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez began his update by noting the city is partnering with the Border Animal Mission organization on an upcoming spay and neuter clinic, and he reminded the council the city will be presenting a “bid academy” for individuals and businesses, a no-cost, eight-session learning experience for anyone who want to do business with the federal government. Chavez asked citizens to be aware that the city has awarded a contract to conduct a lead service line inventory for city water lines, and that project is currently underway and involves employees of LJ Engineering looking at local water lines at the meter or the service connection. Chavez said the city is partnering with the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce to host the 2026 Annual Ports-To-Plains Alliance Conference. Chavez also recognized three employees who have worked for the city for more than 20 years: Maria Martinez, accounting division accounting supervisor, 23 years; Delio Hernandez, wastewater collection division utility worker, 26 years; and Raul Torres, international bridge toll collector crew leader, 21 years.
Main Street manager announces accreditation of Del Rio Main Street Program
City council members took no action following a report from Main Street Manager Jorge Garza that the Del Rio Main Street Program had received recognition from the Main Street America and Texas Main Street Program as a “2026 Accredited Program.” Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez pointed out the accreditation is not automatic and lauded Garza for his work on obtaining the accreditation for the city’s program. He said this is the second year in a row the city has received the accreditation.
Mayor leaves meeting to attend Ports-to-Plains kickoff
Mayor Al Arreola turned the meeting over to Mayor Pro-tem Randy Quinones at 7:01 p.m. so he could participate in the kickoff mixer for the 2026 Ports-to-Plains Alliance Conference. The event was held at the Gin House Jazz Club. Arreola was set to give a welcome address at the event, which continues with a day of field visits to industries in Ciudad Acuna, Coah., Mexico, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and a day of seminars at the Del Rio Civic Center on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Council approves acceptance of donation from citizen for lighting in local park
City council members voted 6-0 to approve a resolution authorizing Interim City Manager Manuel Chavez to accept the donation of the installation, materials and labor for gazebo lighting at the American G.I. Forum Park, valued at approximately $4,335.65. Council accepted the donation from Del Rioan Ventura Saenz, who was in the audience with his family members. Saenz briefly addressed the council, saying he has been working with Chavez since June to get the gazebo lighting in place. Saenz said he would like to start the work as soon as possible, so the gazebo can be decorated for next month’s Halloween celebrations. Councilman Leno Hernandez said he would feel more comfortable with future citizen donations if there was a legal document in place exactly what is expected of both parties in the donations.
The writer can be reached at delriomagnoliafan@gmail.com.
