Del Rio council ratifies manager separation, names interim city attorney and interim city manager

The Del Rio City Council on March 4 ratified the mutual separation of the city manager, approved a private law firm to serve as interim city attorney and, following an executive session, appointed Manuel Chavez as interim city manager.

During the public-comment period, three leaders of the Border Organization pressed the council for transparency and due process after the council moved to separate from the former city manager and terminate the city attorney. Eddie Cortez said the former city attorney had requested that any discussion of her employment be held in open session under Texas Government Code Sec. 551.074 and said he believed denying that request violated the employee's "due process rights," warning that actions taken under improper procedure could be voided. Patricio Garza asked how the city would maintain continuity on water rates and infrastructure projects and what financial implications—severance, interim staffing or litigation—might follow. Sandra Fuentes described the former city attorney as having "demonstrated professionalism and effectiveness" and asked the council to…