City Manager evaluated by Council on Monday
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Apr 4, 2011
Story Updated:
Apr 5, 2011
Over the past year the City of Laredo has dealt with an economic recession, but is still trying to grow.
Laredo's City Manager is faced with this challenge and is now up for his annual evaluation.
It is a common misconception that Laredo’s mayor makes all of the decisions for the City, for t he fact is the man responsible for many of the City's decision making is Carlos Villarreal, the City Manager, who is up for his annual evaluation.
Mayor Raul Salinas: "He is the one in charge of day to day operations. I don't get involved in personnel matters, but he does so you can imagine how much he has on his plate."
In his four years serving as Laredo City Manager, Carlos Villarreal has been faced with some tough challenges when it comes to balancing the budget. But his ability to handle those challenges has gained him a strong backing from the City Council and Mayor.
"He has my unwavering support because he gets the job done and has done an excellent job."
The City Manager says improving Laredo’s infrastructure and water system were his main priorities from the start.
Carlos Villarreal: "Those are basic commodities that are very important to the community so we've been able to stay ahead of that curve."
Villarreal helped facilitate conversation with the federal government that provided Laredo with $4.4 million for public security, allowing the city to hire 22 new police officers over the next three years.
The City Manager says Laredo is now safe and structurally sound, so he hopes to begin improving the quality of life for the community.
"Every year is a new challenge. Financial stability, continuing to work on infrastructure streets and sewer adding to that one more layer which is parks so the public can enjoy a better quality of life."
Laredo's City Manager Carlos Villarreal makes an annual salary of just under $180,000.
According to the Texas Tribune that ranks him 14th in the state among city managers.
Monday, city Council voted to grant Villarreal a 2% raise to his hourly pay, which will be deducted from his benefits, meaning his overall salary will not change.
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Villarreal not worthy said on Tuesday, Apr 5 at 11:50 AM
Smoke and mirrors. Villarreal has produced nothing and blames a nationwide struggling economy. If that is the fact and the economy continues to slide why do we need him?
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