20 Oct Mercedes Opens City Manager Search; Applications Due Nov. 13

Mercedes is taking applications through Nov. 13 for a new city manager, with the hire slated to begin in late February, per a city news release.

The city brought in Altiva Management Group, an Edinburg firm, to run the search. Altiva is led by managing partner Ramiro Garza Jr., a former Edinburg mayor and city manager, according to the firm’s website. Garza is also the contact for confidential inquiries on the city’s job posting.

Semifinalists go to the city commission Dec. 1, a final three is due Dec. 15, interviews are set for Jan. 4 through 8 in Mercedes, and a commission vote could come Jan. 19, the posting says.

Whoever gets the job will oversee 163 employees across 11 departments, a budget of $29.6 million and a city of 17,915 residents, according to the posting.

Mayor Oscar D. Montoya Sr. said, per the release, that the city wants someone who can “run the numbers, build the relationships, and stay.” He said the city also wants a manager who will push Mercedes into regional industrial development talks and hopes top city managers across Texas will take a close look at the job.

The new manager will take over work already in motion: $42.8 million in water and wastewater work, a street program topping $4 million, drainage improvements, over $1.7 million for parks and facilities, and a $53 million retail development along Interstate 2, the city said.

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, finance, planning or a related field, plus five years in city management or leading a department or major operation, with budget, staff and capital project duties.

Pay runs from $150,000 to $175,000 based on qualifications, plus benefits.