Commission approves new contract for city manager
San Benito City Commissioners on March 19 awarded a new three-year employment contract to City Manager Manuel De La Rosa.
“Based on his performance over the past three years, we wanted to review his accomplishments in order to determine if he should receive a new contract and higher salary,” said Mayor Ben Gomez.
“He has had many notable achievements that I personally know of, including the $23.7 million AEP Texas regional service center, Resaca Village mixed-use project now under construction, the water treatment plant lawsuit settlement with Evoqua, Southside Park and the six business prospects he presented at Tuesday’s meeting,” he said.
“Because of his valuable skills, I voted to support his continued service here by awarding him a new contract with a salary increase that rewards his hard work and dedication to the City. Mayor Pro Tem Carol Lynn Sanchez mode the motion which was seconded by Commissioner Rene Villafranco. I voted with the majority. Commissioner Ricardo Guerra voted against, resulting in a 3-1 vote in favor of the agreement. Commissioner Tony Gonzales was absent from the meeting. We settled on a base salary of $125,000 per year. He has done a good job for us, and we want to keep him for at least a few more years. It is mutually beneficial to him and to us. The new contract will give him the security he needs to commit to stay here, and for the City, it ensures that we will continue with the many projects he is currently leading,” Gomez said.
“From the City’s standpoint, I considered that if we wanted him to continue working for us, we needed to lock him in with a contract,” the mayor said.
“I for one, believe that he is good for this City. He gets things done, and he always has done what is in the best interests of the City.
“For the first time in many years, we have seen steady increases in our growth indicators such as sales tax, and are now seeing promising signs of economic development. The people elected us to make improvements to the City, and through Mr. De La Rosa’s efforts, we are now seeing progress.
De La Rosa acknowledged that the negotiated salary is still low compared to other cities the size of San Benito, which have an average salary $154,000, but said he is pleased with the Commission’s action.
“I appreciate the Commission’s belief and confidence in me. I will continue to do the best work I can for the City Commission, our citizens, and the community as a whole,” De La Rosa said.