Del Rio council rescinds termination, accepts city attorney’s resignation after public criticism

The Del Rio City Council voted to rescind a prior termination and accept City Attorney Ana Markowski Smith’s negotiated resignation and separation agreement, effective Feb. 26, 2026, following remarks by Smith and multiple public commenters. The motion to accept the resignation and rescind the termination was moved by Councilman James DeReus and seconded by Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez; it passed with five votes in favor and two opposed (Councilman J. P. Sanchez and Councilman Randy Quinones).

Ana Markowski Smith addressed the council in open session, saying that at the time of her hiring she had committed to strengthening the City Attorney’s Office for future leadership and that she had fulfilled her initial one-year commitment. She said communication challenges and a lack of clarity about expectations contributed to her decision to resign and that she was submitting the resignation to remain in good standing and to avoid being a source of ongoing conflict.

Members of the public had urged the council to reconsider the earlier dismissal. Tim Condry and Frank Larson expressed disapproval of the council’s process and spoke in support of the City Attorney’s work and character. Miguel Garcia told the council he had seen a lack of transparency in the council’s actions and said a City employee had contacted the Border Organization; Mario Arreola and Maya Aires of the Border Organization read anonymous employee letters they said had been submitted. Irma Cardenas, also speaking for the Border Organization, said recent water rate increases and the phasing out of winter averaging had increased residents’ bills and warned of potential legal action if the handling of the City Attorney’s dismissal was not addressed.

Council members debated the proper remedy after executive session. The motion approved rescinded the prior termination and accepted the negotiated resignation and separation agreement with Denton Navarro Attorneys and Mrs. Smith. The record shows the five council members voting aye were Mayor Alvaro Arreola, Councilman James DeReus, Councilwoman Ernestina Martinez, Councilman Jesus Lopez, Jr., and Councilwoman Carmen Gutierrez; Councilmen J. P. Sanchez and Randy Quinones voted no.

The council did not specify additional personnel actions in open session. The city secretary’s minutes and the separation agreement will be the official records of the terms accepted by the council at this meeting.