By Karen Gleason
Del Rio City Council members Tuesday honored Margarita “Margie” Montez for 34 years of service to the city.
City Human Resources Director Mario Garcia told the council during its regular meeting, “Ms. Montez was hired by the city as a part-time billing clerk for the utility billing department on Oct. 28, 1985. In her nearly 35 years of experience with the city of Del Rio, Ms. Montez has held various positions in the utility billing department, including billing clerk, clerk II, clerk III, acting utility billing supervisor and the position of utility billing supervisor, a position she held through 2008.”
“During her tenure, Ms. Montez also assumed the role of interim international bridge superintendent on two separate occasions, first in August 2004 for a period of eight months, then again in April 2007, for a period of five months, until a superintendent was hired and trained, after which she returned to the utility billing department,” Garcia said.
“Finally, in June 2008, she ‘gave up’ and accepted the position of full-time international bridge superintendent, a position which she has held until today,” he said.
Garcia noted, “During her time as superintendent, Ms. Montez was the driving force in making great strides to upgrade and improve the toll plaza and facilities. As the last item on your agenda tonight attests, those improvements continue. Her efforts and determination were tantamount in the successful completion of the (toll plaza upgrade) project in 2017. The result of her work is an international bridge toll plaza that is modern and worthy of recognition as one of the city’s great success stories.
“In Ms. Montez’s letter of intent to retire, she wrote, ‘It is with great joy and sadness that I have made this decision, along with my family and God’s guidance. My job has meant so much to me in the two departments I had the honor to lead. I have met so many wonderful people that have become lifelong friends. I witnessed administrations change over the past 35 years and seen so many positive paths taken by our leaders. I am at peace, knowing that I can pat myself on the back and feel that I did make a difference; otherwise, I would keep trying’,” Garcia said.
Garcia told the council Montez also wrote, “‘God has new plans for me, and I know they will be good because my whole trust is in Him.’”
Garcia said, “The city of Del Rio wishes to recognize Ms. Montez as we acknowledge the many years of dedicated service in keeping the international bridge operating in a sound and efficient manner. Her performance and adherence to her duties are a testament to what it means to be a member of TEAM Del Rio, and we wish her many, many years of good fortune and the best of luck in her future endeavors.”
Garcia then led the council, administrators and members of the audience in a long round of applause for Montez.
When the applause died down, Montez approached the podium and said, “Thank you mayor and council. It’s really been a great honor and pleasure serving the city of Del Rio. I heard Mr. Garcia and I thought, ‘I did that,’ and sometimes I look at myself, and I can’t believe I did that, but I did try my best to make the city proud of me,” Montez said.
Montez thanked the council members and the international bridge board members for their support.
Council members then offered their congratulations.
Councilwoman Alexandra Falcon Calderon said, “Thank you for what you did for the city of Del Rio. I’m sure they’ll miss you, but I’m sure you’ll be going to Acuña, so I know you’ll still see the bridge.”
“Thank you for everything, and you are leaving really big shoes to fill,” Councilman Jim DeReus said.
“Margie, thank you for your service to the city of Del Rio. You’ve done a great job all these years. I’ve known Margie and her husband for many years so enjoy your retirement,” Mayor Pro-Tem Alfredo “Fred” Carranza Jr. said.
“Ms. Montez . . . you set an example for everyone that works here. You are like a pillar of the community,” Councilman Raul Ojeda said.
“Thank you for your years of service, and God bless you,” Councilman J.P. Sanchez said.
Mayor Bruno “Ralphy” Lozano also thanked Montez for her service and noted that since she now “would have a little time on her hands,” he presented her with a gold mantel clock in a wood and glass case.
