Edgardo D. Castillo

The City Council meeting featured a presentation from Tijerina Financial Consulting LLC regarding the intention to issue Certificates of Obligation for city improvements. The Council subsequently approved Resolution No. 618 authorizing the publication of the Notice of Intention and Resolution No. 619 establishing the city's intention to self-reimburse for prior expenditures related to these obligations. Action was taken to approve the public resale of specific properties with delinquent taxes via Resolution No. 617. The Council approved the Collaborative Services Interlocal Agreement with Dimmit County and decided to retain Maldonado Law Group LLC as City Attorney. New business included the purchase of plaques to recognize youth organization volunteers, recognition of photographer David Briseno, approval of a 65¢ base pay increase for all positions, and acquisition of property for utility improvements. The Council also approved Ordinance No. 874 amending regulations for solid waste collection and disposal, and approved Resolution No. 616 concerning Investment Policies under the Public Funds Investment Act. Discussions were held regarding public nuisance properties and a roof system contract (tabled). An executive session addressed the City Marshal retention salary.

Key discussions during the special session included citizen concerns regarding the potential removal of Carlos Lara as the CSVFD Chief, with statements emphasizing procedural due process according to CSVFD by-laws and alleged harassment by a public official. Another significant topic involved concerns about county parking at the Housing Authority area creating a hazard for elderly residents, potentially obstructing emergency vehicle access. New business resulted in a motion to schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss establishing a no-parking zone on 4th Street next to the Housing Authority Apartments for resident safety. A motion was also passed to table the action regarding the revocation of Carlos Lara's ratification as CSVFD Chief.

The City Council meeting included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and no citizen comments were offered. The sole substantive item of new business involved the authorization of the non-renewal of the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power (TCAP) for the 2028-2032 procurement agreement, which passed unanimously.

The Special Session addressed several critical matters, including concerns raised by citizens regarding the appointment and performance of the Volunteer Fire Department Chief. Discussions covered allegations concerning the Fire Chief giving away free water, personal vehicles responding to calls, and unauthorized use of the fire truck for parades. Following a closed executive session to discuss legal matters related to the Fire Chief's tenure, the Council voted to revoke the ratification of Carlos Lara as Chief and subsequently ratified Carlos Lara while appointing Jesse Saucedo as the new Volunteer Fire Department Chief. Furthermore, the Council approved an ordinance establishing a No Parking Zone on North 4th Street between West Houston Street and West Alamo Street.

The City Council recognized the winners of the 160th City of Carrizo Springs Celebration Art Contest. The council discussed and took action on approving accounts payable for October 2025. They also discussed issuing a Request for Proposal to purchase security cameras for the Carrizo Springs Volunteer Fire Department, City Marshal, and Municipal Court Building. The council discussed the City of Carrizo Springs & Dimmit County Joint Meeting and the Brush Interlocal Agreement. They also discussed the City Marshal salary increase request, Ordinance No. 860 Amphitheater Fees, the City of Carrizo Springs Investment & Strategy Policy, and using the Buyboard rebate to purchase Thanksgiving Day gift cards for all city staff. Additionally, they approved Resolution No. 615 to support the Women's Shelter and discussed Ordinance No. 874 (Landfill). The council also discussed the Request for Proposal (RFP) for City Attorney Services.